*tp*iijr  uwm*L±JU*-VU  . 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


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Section 


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Compiled  by  the  Editor  of 

"The  Changed  Cross/' 

"  The  more  we  read  these  volumes,  the  more 
we  are  impressed  with  their  singular  richness 
and  variety" 

The  Changed  Cross,  and  other  Relig- 
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The  Shadow  of  the  Rock,  and  other 

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THE 


Shadow  of  the 


OTHER   RELIGIOUS   POEMS, 


NEW  AND  ENLARGED  EDITION. 


NEW  YORK: 
ANSON   D.    F.   RANDOLPH   &  CO., 

9OO   BROADWAY   COR.    20TH    ST. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1872,  by 

Anson  D.  F.  Randolph  &  Co., 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at 

Washington,  D.  C. 


New  York: 

Edward  O.  Jenkins,  Robert  Rutter, 

Printer,  Binder, 

20  North  William  Street.  84  Beekman  Street. 


The  first  edition  of  this  book  was  issued  in 
1865  as  a  companion-volume  to  the  Changed 
Cross,  and  was  received  with  great  favor  by 
the  religious  public.  The  present  edition 
contains  forty  additional  poems,  selected  from 
many  sources.  The  names  of  the  authors,  so 
far  as  they  could  be  ascertained,  will  be  found 
in  the  index. 

November,  1872. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/shadowOOrand 


The  Poems  contained  in  this  Volume  have 
been  selected  from  many  sources,  and,  so  far 
as  known,  the  names  of  the  authors  appended. 
The  publisher  has  designed  it  as  a  companion- 
book  to  The  Changed  Cross,  which-  has 
proved  so  acceptable  to  a  large  class  of  Chris- 
tian readers. 


CONSIDER. 


Consider 
The  lilies  of  the  field  whose  bloom  is  brief, 

We  are  as  they ; 

Like  them  we  fade  away, 
As  doth  a  leaf. 

Consider 
The  sparrows  of  the  air  of  small  account ; 

Our  God  doth  view 
Whether  they  fall  or  mount — 

He  guards  us  too. 

Consider 
The  lilies  that  do  neither  spin  nor  toil, 

Yet  are  most  fair  ; 

What  profits  all  this  care 
And  all  this  toil  ? 

Consider 
The  birds  that  have  no  barn  nor  harvest  weeks, 

God  gives  them  food  ; 
Much  more  our  Father  seeks 

To  do  us  good. 


THE 


SHADOW   OF   THE   ROCK, 


AND    OTHER   POEMS. 


THE  SHADOW   OP    THE  ROCK. 

THE  Shadow  of  the  Rock  t 
Stay,  Pilgrim,  stay ! 
Night  treads  upon  the  heels  of  day  ; 
There  is  no  other  resting-place  this  way. 
The  Rock  is  near, 
The  well  is  clear- 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
The  desert  wide 
Lies  round  thee  like  a  trackless  tide, 
In  waves  of  sand  forlornly  multiplied. 
The  sun  is  gone, 
Thou  art  alone — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
All  come  alone ; 

(7) 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROOK. 


All,  over  since  the  sun  hath  shone, 
Who  traveled  by  this  road  have  come  alone. 
Be  of  good  cheer — 
A  home  is  here — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  I 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
Night  veils  the  land ; 
How  the  palms  whisper  as  they  stand  ! 
How  the  well  tinkles  faintly  through  the  sand  \ 
Cool  water  take 
Thy  thirst  to  slake — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
Abide !  Abide ! 
This  Rock  moves  ever  at  thy  side, 
Pausing  to  welcome  thee  at  eventide. 
Ages  are  laid 
Beneath  its  shade — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Always  at  hand, 
Unseen  it  cools  the  noon-tide  land, 
And  quells  the  fire  that  flickers  in  the  sand. 
It  comes  in  sight 
Only  at  night — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 


THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  ROCK, 


The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
'Mid  skies  storm-riven 
It  gathers  shadows  out  of  heaven, 
And  holds  them  o'er  us  all  night  cool  and  even, 
Through  the  charmed  air 
Dew  falls  not  there — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
To  angels'  eyes 
This  Rock  its  shadow  multiplies, 
And  at  this  hour  in  countless  places  lies. 
One  Rock,  one  shade, 
O'er  thousands  laid — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  I 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
To  weary  feet, 
That  have  been  diligent  and  fleet, 
The  sleep  is  deeper  and  the  shade  more  sweet 
O  weary,  rest ! 
Thou  art  sore  pressed — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  t 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 
Thy  bed  is  made ; 
Crowds  of  tired  souls  like  thine  are  laid 
This  night  beneath  the  self-same  placid  shade. 


10  NIGHT  SONG. 


They  who  rest  here 
Wake  with  Heaven  near — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock . 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  t 
Pilgrim  !  sleep  sound ; 
In  night's  swift  hours  with  silent  bound, 
The  Rock  will  put  thee  over  leagues  of  ground, 
Gaining  more  way 
By  night  than  day — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock ! 

The  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 
One  day  of  pain, 
Thou  scarce  wilt  hope  the  Rock  to  gain, 
Yet  there  wilt  sleep  thy  last  sleep  on  the  plain 
And  only  wake 
In  Heaven's  daybreak — 
Rest  in  the  Shadow  of  the  Rock  ! 


NIGHT    SONG. 

HEART,  be  still ! 
In  the  darkness  of  thy  woe, 
Bow  thee  silently  and  low ; 
Comes  to  thee  whatever  God  will ; — 
Be  thou  still ! 


NIGHT  SONG.  \\ 

Be  thou  still  I 
Vainly  all  thy  words  are  spoken  ; 
Till  the  Word  of  God  hath  broken 
Life's  dark  mysteries— good  or  ill— 

Be  thou  still  I 


Sleep  thou  still ! 
'Tis  thy  Father's  work  of  grace, 
Wait  thou  yet  before  His  face, 
He'll  thy  sure  deliverance  will  • 

Keep  thou  still  1 

Lord  my  God ! 
By  thy  grace,  0  may  I  be 
All-submission,  silently, 
To  the  chastenings  of  thy  rod ; 

Lord  my  God ! 

Shepherd,  King ! 
From  thy  fullness,  grant  to  me 
Still,  yet  fearless  faith  in  Thee, 
Till,  from  night  the  day  shall  spring  I 
'   Shepherd,  King ! 


12  UPWARD. 


UP  WARD! 


I  J  P  WARD,  where  the  stars  are  burning, 
)  Silent,  silent  in  their  turning 
Round  the  never-changing  pole ; 
Upward,  where  the  sky  is  brightest, 
Upward,  where  the  blue  is  lightest, 
Lift  I  now  ray  longing  soul  I 

Far  above  that  arch  of  gladness, 
Far  beyond  those  clouds  of  sadness, 

Are  the  many  mansions  fair  1 
Far  from  pain,  and  sin,  and  folly. 
In  that  palace  of  the  holy, 

I  would  find  my  mansion  there  I 

Where  the  glory  brightly  dwelleth, 
Where  the  new  song  sweetly  swelleth, 

And  the  discord  never  comes ; 
Where  life's  stream  is  ever  laving, 
And  the  palm  is  ever  waving — 

That  must  be  the  home  of  homes  I 

Where  the  Lamb  on  high  is  seated, 
By  ten  thousand  voices  greeted, 
Lord  of  lords  and  King  of  kings ! 


HE  KNO  WETH  ALL,  \  3 


Son  of  man,  they  crown,  they  crown  Him  \ 
Son  of  God,  they  own,  they  own  Him  I 
With  His  name  the  palace  rings  ! 

Blessing,  honor,  without  measure, 
Heavenly  riches,  earthly  treasure, 

Lay  we  at  His  blessed  feet ! 
Poor  the  praise  that  now  we  render ; 
Loud  shall  be  our  voices  yonder, 

When  before  His  Throne  we  meet 


HE  KNOWETH  ALL. 

THE  twilight  falls,  the  night  is  neai, 
I  fold  my  work  away, 
And  kneel  to  One  who  bends  to  hear 
The  story  of  the  day. 

The  old,  old  story ;  yet  I  kneel 

To  tell  it  at  Thy  call ; 
And  cares  grow  lighter  as  I  feel 

That  Jesus  knows  them  all. 

Yes,  all !  The  morning  and  the  night, 

The  joy,  the  grief,  the  loss, 
The  roughened  path,  the  sunbeam  bright, 

The  hourly  thorn  and  cross. 
2 


U  HOMEWARDS. 

Thou  knowest  all— I  lean  my  head, 

My  weary  eyelids  close ; 
Content  and  glad  awhile  to  tread 

This  path,  since  Jesus  knows ! 

And  He  has  loved  me  !  All  my  heart 
With  answering  love  is  stirred, 

And  every  anguished  pain  and  smart 
Finds  healing  in  the  Word. 

Bo  here  I  lay  me  down  to  rest, 

As  nightly  shadows  fall, 
And  lean,  confiding,  on  His  breast, 

Who  knows  and  pities  all ! 


HOME  W A  R  D  8/ 

DROPPING  down  the  troubled  rive/, 
To  the  tranquil,  tranquil  shore ; 
Dropping  down  the  misty  river, 
Time's  willow-shaded  river, 

To  the  spring-embosomed  shore : 
Where  the  sweet  light  shineth  ever, 
And  the  sun  goes  down  no  more. 
O  wondrous,  wondrous  shore  ! 

Dropping  down  the  winding  river, 
To  the  wide  and  welcome  sea ; 


HOMEWARDS.  15 


Dropping  down  the  narrow  river, 
Man's  weary,  wayward  river, 

To  the  blue  and  ample  sea ; 
Where  no  tempest  wrecketh  ever 

Where  the  sky  is  fair  and  free ; 

O  joyous,  joyous  sea  ! 

Dropping  down  the  noisy  river, 

To  our  peaceful,  peaceful  home  ; 
Dropping  down  the  turbid  river, 
Earth's  bustling,  crowded  river, 

To  our  gentle,  gentle  home  ; 
Where  the  rough  roar  riseth  never, 

And  the  vexings  cannot  come ; 

O  loved  and  longed  for  home  1 

Dropping  down  the  eddying  rive*, 

With  a  Helmsman  true  and  tried 
Dropping  down  the  perilous  river — 
Mortality's  dark  river, 

With  a  sure  and  Heavenly  Guide ; 
Even  Him  who,  to  deliver 

My  soul  from  death,  hath  died ; 

O  Helmsman,  true  and  tried  ! 

Dropping  down  the  rapid  river, 

To  the  dear  and  deathless  land  ; 
Dropping  down  the  well-known  river. 
Life's  swoll'n  and  rushing  river. 


16  TEE  LOVIJSG  (JUR 


To  the  resurrection-land ; 
Where  the  living,  live  for  ever, 
And  the  dead  have  joined  the  band , 
O  fair  and  blessed  land  1 


THE   LOVING    CUP. 

COME,  drink  ye,  drink  ye,  all,  of  it, 
Pale  children  of  a  King ; 
No  poison  mingles  in  the  draught, 

So,  while  ye  suffer,  sing. 
Tis  Love's  own  Life  hath  won  it  us, 

Christ's  lip  hath  pressed  the  brim, — 
Come,  drink  ye,  drink  ye,  all,  of  it, 
In  fellowship  with  Him  I 

O  shun  not  thou  the  Loving  Cup, 

Nor  tremble  at  its  hue ; 
There  is  no  bitter  in  the  bowl, 

But  Jesus  drank  it,  too. 
He  counts  thy  tears,  and  knows  thy  pain, 

Yea,  every  woe  is  weighed ; 
And  not  a  cross  He  bids  thee  bear, 

But  once  on  Him  was  laid. 

Come,  drink  thou  of  the  Loving  Cup  \ 
Thou  wouldst  not  pass  it  by  ? 


THE  SINNER*  FRIEND  \\ 

Nor,  unbelieving,  turn  aside  ; 

The  Lord  the  cup  bestows ; 
And  0  His  face,  above  thee  bent, 

With  love  and  pity  glows  ! 

Those  hands,  once  bleeding  on  the  Cross, 

Are  now  outstretched  to  bless  ; 
He  draws  thee  closer  to  His  heart 

For  that  draught's  bitterness  ; 
He  hears  thy  faintly  sobbing  breath, 

He  marks  each  quivering  limb  ; 
He  drank  a  cup  for  thee  alone — 

Child  !  drink  it  now  with  Him. 

Let  earth  bring  forth  her  bitter  herbs, 

Soon  all  their  power  shall  cease ; 
Come  tribulation  if  it  will, 

With  Christ's  abiding  Peace. 
I  take  the  cup — the  Loving  Cup, 

Thrice  blessed  shall  it  be  ; 
I  would  not  miss  one  gift,  0  Lord, 

Thy  Blood  hath  bought  for  me  I 


THE  SINNER'S  FRIEND. 

OTHOU,  the  contrite  sinner's  Friend, 
Who  loving,  lov'st  them  to  the  end, 
On  this  alone  my  hopes  depend, 
That  Thou  wilt  plead  for  me  i 
2* 


18  THE  SINNER'S  FRIEND 


When,  weary  in  the  Christian  race, 
Far-off  appears  my  resting-place, 
And  fainting,  I  mistrust  Thy  grace- 
Then.  Saviour,  plead  for  me  1 

When  I  haye  err'd  and  gone  astray 
Afar  from  Thine  and  Wisdom's  way, 
And  see  no  glimmering  guiding  ray — 
Still,  Saviour,  plead  for  me  ! 

When  Satan,  by  my  sins  made  bold, 
Strives  from  Thy  cross  to  loose  my  hold 
Then  with  Thy  pitying  arms  enfold, 
And  plead,  oh,  plead  for  me  1 

And  when  my  dying  hour  draws  near, 
Darken' d  with  anguish,  guilt,  and  fear, 
Then  to  my  fainting  sight  appear, 
Pleading  in  Heaven  for  me  ! 

When  the  full  light  of  Heavenly  day 
Reveals  my  sins  in  dread  array, 
Bay,  Thou  hast  wash'd  them  all  away ; 
Oh,  say,  Thou  plead'st  for  me  1 


THE  WAY  IS  LONG,  hTO.  ig 


TEE    WAY  IS  LONG  AND  DREAR? 

THE  way  is  long  and  dreary, 
The  path  is  bleak  and  bare , 
Our  feet  are  worn  and  weary, 

But  we  will  not  despair. 
More  heavy  was  Thy  burthen, 

More  desolate  Thy  way ; 
O  Lamb  of  God,  who  takest 
The  sin  of  the  world  away, 
Have  mercy  on  us  I 

The  snows  lie  thick  around  us, 

In  the  dark  and  gloomy  night ; 
And  the  tempest  wails  above  us, 

And  the  stars  have  hid  their  light. 
But  blacker  was  the  darkness 

Round  Calvary's  Cross  that  da> 
0  Lamb  of  God,  that  takest 

The  sin  of  the  world  away, 
Have  mercy  on  us  1 

Our  hearts  are  faint  with  sorrow, 

Heavy  and  sad  to  bear ; 
For  we  dread  the  bitter  morrow, 

But  we  will  not  despair. 


TEE  DEATH  OF  A  BELIEVER. 

Thou  knowest  all  our  anguish, 
And  Thou  wilt  bid  it  cease. 

0  Lamb  of  God  !  who  takest 
The  sin  of  the  world  away, 
Give  us  Thy  peace  1 


THE  DEATH  OF  A   BELIEVER 

THE  Apostle  slept ;  a  light  shone  in  the  prison 
An  angel  touched  his  side ; 
"  Arise,"  he  said,  and  quickly  he  hath  risen, 
His  fettered  arms  untied. 

The  watchers  saw  no  light  at  midnight  gleaming 

They  heard  no  sound  of  feet ; 
Th«  gates  fly  open,  and  the  saint  still  dreaming, 

Stands  free  upon  the  street. 

So  when  the  Christian'*  eyelid  droops  and  closes 

In  Nature's  parting  stnfe, 
A  friendly  angel  stands  where  he  reposes 

To  wake  him  up  to  life. 

He  gives  a  gentle  blow,  and  so  releases 

The  spirit  from  its  clay ; 
From  sin's  temptations  and  from  life's  distresses 

He  bids  it  come  away. 


THE  DBA  TH  OF  A  BELIEVER.  21 


It  rises  up,  and  from  its  darksome  mansion 

It  takes  its  silent  flight, 
And  feels  its  freedom  in  the  large  expansion 

Of  Heavenly  air  and  light. 

Behind,  it  hears  Time's  iron  gates  close  faintly  ; 

It  is  now  far  from  them, 
For  it  has  reached  the  city  of  the  saintly, 

The  new  Jerusalem  I 

A  voice  is  heard  on  earth  of  kinsfolk  weeping 

The  loss  of  one  they  love  ; 
But  he  is  gone  where  the  redeemed  are  keeping 

A  festival  above. 

The   mourners  throng    the  way,   and   from  the 
steeple 

The  funeral -bell  tolls  slow ; 
But  on  the  golden  streets  the  holy  people 

Are  passing  to  and  fro ; 

And  saying,  as  they  meet,  "  Rejoice  1  another 

Long-waited-for  is  come ; 
The  Saviour's  heart  is  glad,  a  younger  brother 

Hath  leached  the  Father's  home  I" 


22  EARTH  AND  HEA  V JJN. 


EARTH  AND   HEAVEN 

TFHE  roseate  hues  of  early  dawn, 
JL   The  brightness  of  the  day ; 
The  crimson  of  the  sunset  sky, 

How  fast  they  fade  away  1 
Oh,  for  the  pearly  gates  of  Heaven  i 

Oh,  for  the  golden  floor  1 
Oh,  for  the  Sun  of  Righteousness, 

That  setteth  nevermore ! 

The  brightest  hopes  we  cherish  heie 

How  fast  they  tire  and  faint ; 
How  many  a  spot  defiles  the  robe 

That  wraps  an  earthly  saint ! 
Oh,  for  a  heart  that  never  sins  ! 

Oh,  for  a  soul  wash'd  white  ! 
Oh,  for  a  voice  to  praise  our  King, 

Nor  weary,  da^  nor  night ! 

Here  faith  is  ours,  and  Heavenly  hop€^ 

And  grace  to  lead  us  higher ; 
But  there  are  perfectness,  and  peace, 

Beyond  our  best  desire. 
Oh,  by  Thy  love,  and  anguish,  Lord, 

And  by  Thy  life  laid  down, 
Grant  that  we  fall  not  from  Thy  grace, 

Nor  cast  away  our  crown  1 


UNDERTAKE  FOR  ME.  23 


UNDERTAKE  FOR  ME  I 

AS  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 
Through  the  restless  night  of  pain, 
When  the  first  faint  streaks  of  gray 

Bring  rest  and  ease  again — 
As  they  turn  their  sleepless  eyes 

The  Eastern  sky  to  see, 
Long  hours  before  sunrise — 
So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee  ! 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

Through  the  long,  long  night  of  grie£ 
When  the  soul  can  only  pray 

That  the  day  may  bring  relief, — 
When  the  eyes,  with  weeping  spent, 

No  dawn  of  hope  can  see, 
But  the  heart  keeps  watch  intent, — 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee  ! 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

Through  that  deepest  night  of  all, 
When  trembling,  and  sin  have  sway, 

And  the  shades  of  Thy  absence  fall : 
As  they  search  through  clouds  of  fear 

The  Morning  Star  to  see, 
And  the  Light  of  Life  appear — 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee ! 


24  THE  UNDISCOVERED  COUNTRY 


As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

And  know  that  the  day  will  rise, 
Though  the  wearj  hours  delay, 

As  they  pass  under  midnight  skies , 
Though  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 

Only  Faith's  eye  can  see, 
Because  Thou  hast  promised  to  bless — 

Lord  Jesus,  I  wait  for  Thee  1 


THE   UNDISCOVERED    COUNTRY. 

COULD  we  but  know 
The  land  that  ends  our  dark,  uncertain  travel 
Where  lie  those  happier  hills  and  meadows  low 
Ah  !  if  beyond  the  spirit's  inmost  cavil 
Aught  of  that  country  could  we  surely  know, 
Who  would  not  go  ? 

Might  we  but  hear 
The  hovering  angels'  high  imagined  chorus, 

Or  catch,  betimes,  with  wakeful  eyes  and  clear 
One  radiant  vista  of  the  realm  before  us — 
With  one  rapt  moment  given  to  see  and  hear, 
Ail,  who  would  fear  ? 

Were  we  quite  sure 

To  find  the  peerless  friend  who  left  us  lonely, 

Or  there,  by  some  celestial  stream  as  pure. 


THE  ANSWFK.  21 


To  gaze  in  «yes  that  here  were  loyeM  only  — 
This  weary  mortal  coil,  were  we  quite  suie, 
Who  would  endure  ? 


THE    ANSWER. 

K  TT7HO  would  not  go" 

T  T    With  buoyant  steps,  to  gain  that  blessed 
portal, 
Which  opens  to  the  land  we  long  to  know  ? 
Where  shall  be  satisfied  the  soul's  immortal, 
Where  we  shall  drop  the  wearying  and  the  wo 
In  resting  so  ? 

"  Ah,  who  would  fear  ?" 
Since,  sometimes  through  the  distant  pearly  por- 
tal, 
Unclosing  to  some  happy  soul  a-near, 
We  catch  a  gleam  of  glorious  light  immortal, 
And  strains  of  heavenly  music  faintly  hear, 
Breathing  good  cheer  I 

"  Who  would  endure  " 
To  walk  in  doubt  and  darkness  with  misgiving, 

When  He  whose  tender  promises  are  sure — 
The  Crucified,  the  Lord,  the  Ever-living — 
Keeps  us  those  "  mansions  "  evenmore  secure 
By  waters  pure  ? 
3 


26  ARE  THERE  FEW  SA\ EI 


Oh,  wondrous  land  ! 
Fairer  than  all  our  spirit's  fairest  dreaming  : 

"  Eye  hath  not  seen" — no  heart  can  understand 
The  things  prepared,  the  cloudless  radiance  stream- 
ing. 
How  longingly  we  wait  our  Loid's  command — 
Hi&  opening  hand  1 

Oh,  dear  ones  there  ! 
Whose  voices,   hushed,   have   left  our  pathway 
lenely, 
We  come,  ere  long,  your  blessed  home  to  share ; 
We  take  the  guiding  Hand,  we  trust  it  only — 
Seeing,  by  faith,  beyond  this  clouded  air, 
That  land  so  fair  I 


LORD,  ARE  THERE  FEW  THAT  BE  SA  VEDt 

YTTHETHER  there  many  be,  or  few, 
?  ?     Elect  the  heavenly  goal  to  win, 
Truly,  I  know  not — this  I  know — 
That  none  who  march  with  footsteps  slow, 
That  none  who  fight  with  hearts  untrue, 
That  none  who  serve  with  service  cold, 
The  Eternal  City  can  behold, 
Or  enter  in. 


ARE  THERE  FEW  SA  VED  f  21 


Whether  there  many  be  who  thrive 

In  their  vast  suit  for  that  vast  love, 
Truly,  I  know  not — this  I  know — 
That  love  lives  not  in  outward  show  ; 
That  but  to  seek  is  not  to  strive  ; 
That  thankless  praises,  empty  prayers, 
Can  claim  no  bond,  for  will  of  theirs 
His  court  to  move. 

How  long  the  door,  unfastened  now, 

Shall  open  by  His  grace  remain, 
Truly,  I  know  not — this  I  know — 
If  once  that  grace  aside  He  throw, 
N"o  tear,  no  sigh,  no  anguished  vow, 
Gnashing  of  teeth,  wringing  of  hands, 
Shall  draw  the  bolts  and  loose  the  bands 
Ever  again. 

How  long  His  wrath  may  yet  forbear, 

And  sheathe  His  sword,  and  hide  His  rod, 
Truly,  I  know  not — this  I  know — 
He  points  the  arrows  of  His  bow, 
While  speed  apace  that  night  of  fear, 
Of  debt  unpaid,  of  work  undone, 
Where  Mercy,  Pardon,  Hope  is  none, 
Laid  up  with  God ! 


28  LORD,   THOU  ART  MINEl 


LORD,    THOU  ART  MINE! 

LORD,  Thou  art  mine. 
Send  help  to  me  ! 
Christ,  I  am  Thine, 
Deliver  me ! 
Then  shall  1  praise  and  sing, 
(  My  soul,  bless  thou  thy  God  and  King  F 

Mercies  are  Thine, 

Remember  me  ! 

Sad  sins  are  mine, 

Oh,  pardon  me ! 

Then  shall  I  praise  and  sing, 

44  My  soul,  bless  thou  thy  God  and  King  P5 

Goodness  is  Thine, 

Lord,  pity  me ! 
Evil  is  mine, 
Forsake  not  me ! 
Then  shall  1  praise  and  sing, 
4  My  soul,  bless  thou  thy  God  and  King  H* 

All  light  is  Thine, 

Oh,  shine  on  me  1 
Darkness  is  mine, 
Enlighten  me  I 
Then  shall  I  praise  and  sing, 
"My  soul,  bless  thou  thy  God  and  King  ln 


WE  STOOD  BESIDE  THE  RIVER.  29 


True  life  is  Thine, 

Breathe  it  on  me  ! 
All  death  is  mine, 
Oh,  quicken  me ! 
Then  shall  I  praise  and  sing, 
*  My  soul,  bless  thou  thy  God  and  King  i' 


WE  STOOD  BESIDE   THE  RIVER 
TI7E  stood  beside  the  river, 
*  t    Whence  all  our  souls  must  go, 
Bearing  a  loved  one  in  our  arms, 
Our  hearts  repeating  the  alarms 

That  came  across  the  river ; 
And  saw  the  sun  decline  in  mist, 
That  rose  until  her  brow  it  kissed, 
And  left  it  cold  as  snow. 

Watching  beside  the  river, 
With  every  ebb  and  flow, 
Fond  hopes  within  our  hearts  would  spring, 
Until  another  warning  ring 

Came  o'er  the  fearful  river. 
We  saw  the  flush,  the  brightness  fade, 
The  loving  lips  look  grieved  and  sad, 

The  white  hands  whiter  grow. 

Watching  by  the  river, 
With  anguish  none  tan  tell- 
3* 


30  WE  JSTOOB  BESIDE  THE  RIVER. 

And  trembling  hearts  and  hands,  we  stiov* 
To  save  the  darling  of  our  loye 
From  going  down  the  riyer ! 
Oh,  powerless,  but  to  weep  and  pray, 
And  grieve  for  one  who,  far  away, 
Had  said  his  last  farewell ! 

Weeping  by  the  river, 
There  came  a  blessSd  time, 
A  solemn  calm  spread  all  around, 
Making  it  seem  like  holy  ground, 

Beside  the  silent  river ! 
The  world  receding  from  our  eyes, 
Caught  gleams  of  that  dear  land  which  lies 

In  Canaan's  happy  clime  ! 

And  there,  beside  the  river, 

Came  lessons  strange  and  sweet, 
The  perfect  work  of  patience  done, 
The  warfare  finished,  victory  won 

With  weak  hands  by  the  river  f 
The  childlike  fear,  the  clinging  love, 
The  darkness  brightened  from  above, 

The  peace  at  Jesus'  feet  I 

Waiting  by  the  river, 

Through  mingled  night  and  day, 
Sweet  memories  round  our  hearts  we  bring: 
Of  Jesus'  love  and  Heave q  we  sing, 


KNEELING  AT  THE  THKESHOLD.  31 

To  soothe  her  by  the  river ; 
And  wept  for  one  whose  heart  would  break, 
Be  pitiful  for  Jesus'  sake. 

Father  in  heaven,  we  pray ! 

Standing  by  the  river, 
We  closed  the  weary  eyes, 
Id  Jesus'  arms  we  laid  her  down, 
A  lovely  jewel  for  His  crown. 

He  bore  her  through  the  river, 
And  clothed  her  in  a  robe  so  white, 
Too  beautiful  for  mortal  sight,  . 

And  took  her  to  the  skies  ! 


KNEELING   AT  THE   THRESHOLD. 

I'M  kneeling  at  the  threshold,  weary,  faint,  and 
sore ; 
Waiting  for  the  dawning,  for  the  opening  of  the 

door; 
Waiting  till  the  Master  shall   bid  me  rise  and 

come, 
To  the  glory  of  His  presence,  to  the  gladness  of 
His  home  I 

A  weary  path  I've  traveled,  'mid  darkness,  storm, 

and  strife : 
Bearing  many  a  burden,  struggling  for  my  life ; 


32  KNEEL  IK G  AT  THE  THRESHOLD. 

But  now  the  morn  is  breaking,  my  toil  will  soon 

be  o'er, 
I'm  kneeling  at  the  threshold,  my  hand  is  on  th* 

door 

Methinks  I  hear  the  voices  of  the  bless6d  as  they 

stand, 
Singing  in  the  sunshine  in  the  far-off  sinless  land ; 
Oh,  would  that  I  were  with  them,  amid  their  shin 

ing  throng, 
Mingling  in  their  worship,  joining  in  their  3ong  ! 

The  friends  that  started  with  me  have  entered 

long  ago ; 
One  by  one  they  left  me  struggling  with  the  foe ; 
Their  pilgrimage  was  shorter,  their  triumph  surer 

won, 
How  lovingly  they'll  hail  me,  when  all  my  toil  is 

done  1 

With  them  the  blessed  angels  that  know  no  grief 

or  sin, 
I  see  them  by  the  portals,  prepared  to  let  me  in. 
0  Lord,  I  wait  Thy  pleasure  ;  Thy  time  and  way 

are  best ; 
But  I'm  wasted,  worn,  and  weary  ;  O  Father,  bid 

me  rest  I 


GOD  TO  ORDER  ALL  THY  WAYS.  33 


LEAVE   GOD   TO    ORDER  ALL    THY  WAYS, 

LEAVE  God  to  order  all  thy  ways, 
And  hope  in  Him,  whatever  betide; 
Thou'lt  find  Him  in  the  evil  days 

An  all-sufficient  strength  and  guide. 
Who  trusts  in  God's  unchanging  love, 
Builds  on  the  rock  that  naught  can  move 

What  can  these  anxious  cares  avail — 
These  never-ceasing  moans  and  sighs  ? 

What  can  it  help  us  to  bewail 
Each  painful  moment  as  it  flies  ? 

Our  cross  and  trials  do  but  press 

The  heavier  for  our  bitterness. 

Only  your  restless  heart  keep  still, 
And  wait  in  cheerful  hope,  content 

To  take  whate'er  His  gracious  will, 
His  all-discerning  love,  hath  sent ; 

Nor  doubt  our  inmost  wants  are  knowi 

To  Him  who  chose  us  for  Hi3  own  1 

He  knows  when  joyful  hours  are  best , 
He  sends  them  as  He  sees  it  rreet; 

When  thou  hast  borne  its  fiery  tetst, 
And  now  art  freed  from  all  deceit, 

He  comes  to  thee  all  unaware. 

4nd  makes  thee  own  His  loving  care 


34  GLOR  T  IN  TRIB  VLA TION  ALSO. 


Nor,  in  the  heat  of  pain  and  strife, 
Think  God  hath  cast  thee  off  unheard 

Nor  1hat  the  man  whose  prosperous  life 
Thou  enviest,  is  of  him  preferred. 

Time  passes,  and  much  change  doth  bring 

And  sets  a  bound  to  everything. 

All  are  alike  before  His  face  : 
'Tis  easy  to  our  God  most  high 

To  make  the  rich  man  poor  and  base, 
To  give  the  poor  man  wealth  and  joy. 

True  wonders  still  of  Him  are  wrought, 

Who  setteth  up  and  brings  to  naught ! 

Sing,  pray,  and  swerve  not  from  His  ways, 
But  do  thine  own  part  faithfully  ; 

rrust  His  rich  promises  of  grace, 
So  shall  it  be  fulfilled  in  thee  : 

God  never  yet  forsook  at  need 

The  soul  that  trusted  Him  indeed  i 


WE   GLORY  IK  1RIBULATI0N  ALSO. 

U  YfflTHIN  this  leaf,  to  every  eye 

T  T    So  little  worth,  doth  hidden  lie 
Most  rare  and  subtile  fragrancy. 
Wouldst  thou  its  secret  strength  unbind  ? 
Crush  it,  and  thou  shalt  perfume  find 
Sweet  as  Arabia's  spicy  wind. 


HYMN.  35 

u  In  this  dull  stone  so  poor,  and  bare 
Of  sbape  or  luster,  patient  care 
Will  find  for  thee  a  jewel  rare  ! 
But  first  must  skillful  hands  essay, 
With  file  and  flint,  to  clear  away 
The  film  which  hides  its  fire  from  day. 

4  This  leaf !  This  stone  !  It  is  thy  heart ; 
It  must  be  crushed  by  pain  and  smart ; 
It  must  be  cleansed  by  sorrow's  art, 
Ere  it  will  yield  a  fragrance  sweet, 
Ere  it  will  shine  a  jewel  meet 
To  lay  before  Thy  dear  Lord's  feet  I" 


H  7  M  N 

OHOLY  Saviour,  Friend  unseen, 
The  faint,  the  weak,  od  Thee  may  le^tu 
Help  me,  throughout  Life's  varying  scene, 
By  faith  to  cling  to  Thee  ! 

Blest  with  communion  so  Divine, 
Take  what  Thou  wilt,  shall  I  repine, 
When  as  the  branches  to  the  vine, 
My  soul  may  cling  to  Thee  ? 

Far  from  her  home,  fatigued,  opprest, 
Hcie  she  has  found  a  place  of  rest, 
An  exile  still,  yet  not  unblest, 

While  she  can  cling  to  Thee  ! 


86  HFMX. 

Without  a  murmur  I  dismiss 
My  foimcr  dreams  of  earthly  bhsa ; 
My  joy,  my  recompense  be  this, 
Each  hour  to  cling  to  Thee  ! 

What  th  Dugh  the  world  deceitful  prove, 
And  earthly  friends  and  joys  remove, 
With  patient,-  uncomplaining  love, 
Still  would  J  cling  to  Thee  ! 

Oft  when  I  seem  to  tread  alone 
Some  barren  waste  with  thorns  o'ergrown.. 
A  voice  of  love,  in  gentlest  tone, 
Whispers,  "  Still  cling  to  Me  !" 

Though  faith  and  hope  awhile  be  tried, 
I  ask  not,  need  not,  aught  beside ; 
How  safe,  how  calm,  how  satisfied, 
The  souls  that  cling  to  Thee  1 

They  fear  not  Life's  rough  storms  to  bravCj 
Since  Thou  art  near,  and  strong  to  save ; 
Nor  shudder  e'en  at  Death's  dark  wave, 
Because  they  cling  to  Thee  I 

Blest  16  my  lot,  whate'er  befall ; 
What  can  disturb  me,  who  appal ; 
While,  as  my  strength,  my  rock,  my  all, 
Saviour,  I  ding  to  Thee  ! 


«  COME  UNTO  ME!"  37 


"COME    UN 7  0    MEr 

ART  thou  weary  ?  Art  thou  languid  ? 
Art  thou  sore  distrest  ? 
u  Come  to  Me,"  saith  One,  "  and  coming, 
Be  at  rest  1" 

Hath  He  marks  to  lead  me  to  Him, 

If  He  be  my  Guide  ? 
u  In  His  feet  and  hands  are  wound- prints 
And  His  side." 

Is  there  diadem  as  monarch 

That  His  brow  adorns  ? 
u  Yea,  a  crown  in  very  surety, 
But  of  thorns  i" 

If  I  find  Him,  if  I  follow, 

What  His  guerdon  here  ? 
"  Many  a  sorrow,  many  a  laboi, 
Many  a  tear." 

If  1  still  hold  closely  to  Him, 

What  hath  He  at  last  ? 
"  Sorrow  vanquished,  labor  ended, 
Jordan  past !" 

If  I  ask  Him  to  receive  me, 

Will  He  say  me  nay  ? 
"  Not  till  earth  and  not  till  Heaven 
Pass  awav  I" 
4 


98  TEE  UNSEEN  BATTLEFIELD. 


Tending,  following,  keeping,  struggling, 

Is  He  sure  to  bless  ? 
"  Angels,  martyrs,  prophets  pilgrims, 
Answer — Yes  1" 


THE   UNSEEN  BATTLEFIELD. 

ITnHERE  is  an  unseen  battle-field 
X   In  every  human  breast, 
Where  two  opjDOsing  forces  meet, 
And  where  they  seldom  rest. 

That  field  is  hid  from  mortal  sight, 

'Tis  only  seen  by  One, 
Who  knows  alone  where  victory  lies 

When  each  day's  fight  is  done. 

One  army  clusters  strong  and  fierce, 

Their  chief  of  demon  form  ; 
His  brow  is  ike  the  thunder -cloud, 

His  voice  the  bursting  storm. 

His  captains,  Pride,  and  Lust,  and  Hate, 
Whose  troops  watch  night  and  day ; 

Swift  to  detect  the  weakest  point, 
And  thirsting  for  the  fray. 


THE  UNSEEN  BATTLE- FIELD.  89 


Contending  with  this  mighty  force 

Is  but  a  little  band  ; 
Yet  there,  with  an  unquailing  front, 

Those  warriors  firmly  stand. 

Theii  leader  is  of  God-like  form, 

Of  countenance  serene ; 
And  glowing  or  His  naked  breast 

A  single  cross  is  seen. 

His  captains,  Faith,  and  Hope,  and  Love 

Point  to  that  wondrous  sign , 
And,  gazing  on  it,  all  receive 

Strength  from  a  source  Divine. 

They  feel  it  speaks  a  glorious  truth, 

A  truth  as  great  as  sure, 
That,  to  be  victors,  they  must  learn 

To  love,  confide,  endure. 

That  faith  sublime,  in  wildest  strife, 

Imparts  a  holy  calm ; 
For  every  deadly  blow  a  shield, 

For  every  wound  a  balm. 

And  when  they  win  that  battle-field, 

Past  toil  is  quite  forgot ; 
The  plain  where  carnage  once  had  reigned, 

Become  a  hallowed  spot 


40  WITHOUT  MONET,  ETC. 

The  spot  where  joy  of  flowers  and  peace 

Spring  from  the  fertile  sod, 
And  breathe  the  perfume  of  bheir  praise 

On  every  breeze  of  God  ! 


WITHOUT  MONET  AND   WITHOUT  PRW* 
AN    INVITATION. 

COME  to  Jesus  !    Are  you  lonely  ? 
Solace  sweet  He  will  afford. 
Lean  on  Jesus — Jesus  only  1 
Come,  and  find  a  loving  Lord  ! 

Are  your  trials  past  the  telling  t 
Are  your  sins  as  crimson  dye  ? 

Jesus  sees  your  sad  heart  swelling, 
'Neath  accusing  Memory. 

He  is  waiting — will  you  leave  Him 
Pleading  at  your  heart  in  vain  ? 

He  is  willing — oh,  believe  Him  ! 
He  may  never  call  again. 

He  hath  never  yet  forsaken 
One  who  trusts  alone  in  God ; 

He  your  life-long  debt  hath  taken, 
And  hath  paid  it  with  His  Blood. 


WITHOUT  MONEY,  ETC.  41 


From  your  sins  He  waits  to  cleanse  you— 
You  !  the  slave  by  Satan  bound  ; 

Messages  of  love  He  sends  you — 
Where  can  such  a  Friend  be  found  ? 

Are  you  sick  ?     His  word  can  heal  you. 
Are  you  weary  with  the  strife  ? 

Are  you  hungry  ?    He  can  fill  you 
With  the  Heavenly  Bread  of  Life ! 

Now  !  it  is  the  time  to  try  it : 
Test  Him  by  His  written  Word  ; 

Come,  for  He  will  ne'er  deny  it ; 
Come  to  Christ,  the  Risen  Lord  I 

Do  you  fear  His  sharp  reproving 

That  you  did  not  go  before  ; 
That  you  left  Him — so  unloving — 

Waiting  long  time  at  your  door  ? 

He  will  only  smile  and  greet  you, 
Chasing  shadows  fi'oin  your  brow , 

He  will  surely  run  to  meet  you, 
Saying,  "  Thou  art  welcome  now  !w 

By  still  waters  He  will  lead  you, 
In  green  pastures  you  shall  rest ; 

And  the  pierced  hands  that  freed  you, 
Bear  you  on  His  tender  breast. 
4* 


42  LORD,  THOU  AM  MINE! 


Come,  oh,  come,  this  day.  and  try  it } 
Jesus'  words  are  proved  and  true ; 

Take  His  gift,  you  cannot  buy  it — 
He  hath  waited  long  for  you. 


'  LOOKING    UNTO  JESUS? 

THOU,  Lord,  my  path  shalt  choose, 
And  my  Guide  be  ! 
What  shall  I  fear  to  lose 

While  I  have  Thee  ? 
This  be  my  portion  blest, 
On  my  Redeemer's  breast, 
In  peaceful  trust  to  rest : 
He  cares  for  me  I 

fchall,  I  then,  choose  my  way  t 

Never,  oh,  no ! 
I,  a  creature  of  a  day, 

What  can  I  know  f 
What  dread  perplexity, 
Then  would  encompass  me ; 
Now  I  can  look  to  Thee, 

Thou  orderest  so ! 

This  lightens  every  cross, 
Cheers  every  ill; 


"  LOOKING  UNTO  JESUS."  43 


Suffer  I  grief  or  loss, 

It  is  Thy  will ! 
VVlio  can  make  no  mistake, 
Cliooseth  the  way  I  take ; 
He  who  can  ne'er  forsake, 

Holds  my  hand  still ! 

Sweet  words  of  peace  and  love 

Christ  whispers  me ! 
Bearing  my  soul  above 

Life's  troubled  sea ! 
This  be  my  portion  blest, 
On  my  Redeemer's  breast 
In  peaceful  trust  to  rest : 
He  cares  for  me  ! 

Christ  died  my  love  to  win, 

Christ  is  my  tower ! 
He  will  be  with  me  in 

Each  trying  hour ! 
He  makes  the  wounded  whole, 
He  will  my  heart  console, 
He  will  uphold  my  soul 

By  His  own  power  ! 

To  Thee,  the  only  Wise, 

Whatever  be, 
I  will  lift  up  mine  eyes 

Joyful  in  Thee  I 


44  THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMP L/C 


This  be  my  portion  blest, 
On  my  Redeemers  breast 
In  peaceful  trust  to  rest : 
He  cares  for  me  1 


THE  SPIRITUAL    TEMPLE. 

AND  whither  came  these  goodie  stones 
'Twas  Israel's  pride  to  raise 
The  glory  of  the  former  house, 

The  joy  of  ancient  days ; 
In  purity  and  strength  erect, 
In  radiant  splendor  bright, 
Sparkling  with  golden  beams  of  noon, 
Or  silver  smiles  of  night  ? 

From  coasts  the  stately  cedar  crowns 

Each  noble  slab  was  brought, 
In  Lebanon's  deep  quarries  hewn, 

And  on  its  mountains  wrought ; 
There  rung  the  hammer's  heavy  stroke 

Among  the  echoing  rocks ; 
There  chased  the  chisel's  keen,  sharp  edge, 

The  rude,  unshapen  blocks. 

Thence  polished,  perfected,  complete, 
Each  fitted  to  its  place, 


THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMPLE,  4fl 


For  lofty  coping,  massive  walls, 

Or  deep  imbedded  base — 
They  bore  thern  o'er  the  waves  that  rolled 

Their  billowy  swell  between 
The  shores  of  Tyre's  imperial  pride, 

And  Judah's  hilla  of  green. 

With  gradual  toil  the  work  went  on, 

Through  days,  and  months,  and  years, 
Beneath  the  Summer's  laughing  sun, 

And  Winter's  frozen  tears. 
And  thus  in  majesty  sublime 

And  noiseless  pomp  it  rose — 
Fit  dwelling  for  the  God  of  peace ! 

A  temple  of  repose. 

Brethren  in  Christ,  to  holier  things 

The  simple  type  apply  ; 
Our  God  nimself  a  temple  builds, 

Eternal,  and  on  high, 
Of  ransomed  soub  •  tl  eir  Zion  there — 

That  world  of  light  and  bliss — 
Their  Lebanon,  the  place  of  toil, 

Of  previous  moulding — this  I 

From  Nature's  quarries,  deep  and  dark, 

With  gracious  aim  He  hews 
The  stones,  the  spiritual  stones, 

It  pleaseth  Him  to  choose. 


46  THE  SPIRITUAL  TEMPLE, 


Hard,  rugged,  shapeless  at  the  first, 

Yet  destined  each  to  shine — 
Moulded  beneath  His  patient  hand — 

In  purity  divine. 

Oh,  glorious  process !  see  the  proud 

Grow  lowly,  gentle,  meek ; 
Bee  floods  of  unaccustomed  tears 

Gush  down  the  hardened  cheek  : 
Perchance  the  hammer's  heavy  stroke 

Overthrew  some  idol  fond ; 
Perchance  the  chisel  rent  in  twain 

Some  precious,  tender  bond. 

Behold,  he  prays  !     Whose  lips  were  sealed 

In  quiet  scorn  before, 
Sighs  for  the  closet's  holy  calm, 

And  hails  the  welcome  door. 
Behold,  he  works  for  Jesus  now, 

Whose  days  went  idly  past ; 
Oh,  for  more  mouldings  of  the  Hand 

That  works  a  change  so  vast ! 

Ye  looked  on  one,  a  well-wrought  stone, 

A  saint  of  God  matured. 
What  chiselings  that  heart  had  felt ! 

What  chasteniug  strokes  endured  \ 


ONLY  OUR  LOVE.  47 

But  marked  ye  not  that  last  soft  touch 

What  perfect  grace  it  gave, 
Ere  Jesus  bore  His  servant  home 

Across  the  darksome  wave  ? 

Home  to  the  place  His  grace  designed 

That  chosen  soul  to  fill, 
In  the  bright  temple  of  the  saved, 

Upon  His  holy  hill. 
Home  to  the  noiselessness,  the  peace 

Of  those  sweet  shrines  above, 
Whose  stones  shall  never  be  displaced  - 

Set  in  redeeming  love. 

Lord,  chisel,  chasten,  polish  us, 

Each  blemish  wash  away  ; 
Cleanse  us  with  purifying  blood, 

In  spotless  robes  array  ; 
And  thus,  Thine  image  on  us  stamped, 

Transport  us  to  the  shore 
Where  not  a  stroke  is  ever  felt, 

For  none  is  needed  more 


ONLY    OUR    LO  VE 

TO  do  Thy  holy  will ; 
To  bear  Thy  cross ; 
To  trust  Thy  mercy  still, 
In  pain  or  loss ; 


48  ONLY  OUR  LOVE. 


Poor  gifts  are  these  to  bring, 

Dear  Lord,  to  Thee, 
Who  hast  done  everything 
For  me ! 

For  Thy  oeloved  Son 

And  precious  Word ; 
For  all  Thy  goodness  done 

On  earth,  O  Lord ! 
For  leave  that  I  may  live, — 

Blest  boon  of  Thine, — 
What  recompense  can  give 

This  heart  of  mine  ? 

What,  ior  Thy  glorious  earth,-  - 

Thy  stars  and  flowers '( 
What,  for  Thy  seasons'  birth, 

Kind  Lord  of  ours  i 
What,  for  the  gentle  ones 

Whose  lives  I  share  ? 
For  home,  and  the  kindly  tones 

Love  whispers  there  ? 

Thou,  Who  enthroned  above 

Dost  hear  our  call, 
Oh,  can  our  faithful  love 

Pay  Thee  for  all  ? 


IN  THE  CLOSET.  49 


Poor  recompense  to  biing, 

Dear  Lord,  to  Thee, 
Who  hast  done  everything 
For  me ! 


IN    THE    CLOSET. 

fPHE  air  is  stirred  with  holy  life, 
A   All  earthly  thoughts  take  wing ; 
Hushed  be  the  tumult  of  my  heart, 
I  hear  the  angels  sing. 

Yes  !  o'er  my  bowed  and  weep*ng  head, 

I  feel  their  waving  wings, 
While  mercy-drops  are  falling  round, 

Drops  from  the  heavenly  springs. 

And  softly  from  the  holy  haze 
Falls  forth  the  woxd  of  cheer : 

"  Speak,  troubled  soul,  what  is  thy  need  I 
Jesus  Himself  is  here  I" 

44  My  Lord  and  God  I"  my  soul  replies, 

"  I  hear  Thy  gracious  call ; 
No  need  have  I,  since  Thou  art  here, 

Thou  art  my  all  in  all  I 
5 


50  *M>  THEY  SHALL  SEE  HIS  FA  CK 


h  Oh,  let  me  ever  here  repose 
Upon  Thy  soothing  breast ; 

For  now  I  know  how  blissfully 
Thy  weary  ones  find  rest  1" 


IN    SUFFERING 

FATHER,  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done ; 
So  prayed  on  earth  Thy  suffering  Son 
So  in  His  name  I  pray. 
The  spirit  faints,  the  flesh  is  weak, 
Thy  help  in  agony  I  seek — 
Oh,  take  this  cup  away  ! 

If  such  be  not  Thy  sov'reign  will, 
Thy  wiser  purpose  then  fulfill ; 

My  wishes  I  resign , 
Into  Thy  hands  my  soul  commend, 
On  Thee  for  life  or  death  depend ; 

Thy  wil.  be  done,  not  mine. 


AND    THEY  SHALL   SEE  HIS  FACE. 

WHAT  must  it  be  to  dwell  above, 
At  God's  right  hand,  where  Jesus  reigns, 
Since  the  sweet  earnest  of  His  love 
Overwhelms  us  on  these  dreary  plains ! 


IN  THE  OTHER  WORLD.  51 

No  heart  can  think,  no  tongue  explain, 
What  bliss  it  is  with  Christ  to  reign. 

When  sin  no  more  obstructs  our  sight, 
When  sorrow  pains  our  heart  no  more, 

How  shall  we  view  the  Prince  of  Light, 
And  all  His  works  of  grace  explore  ! 

What  heights  and  depths  of  love  Divine 

Will  there  through  endless  ages  shine  I 

Well,  He  has  fixed  the  happy  day 
When  the  last  tears  will  wet  our  eyes, 

And  God  shall  wipe  all  tears  away, 
And  fill  us  with  Divine  surprise 

To  hear  His  voice,  and  see  His  face, 

And  feel  His  infinite  embrace  ! 

This  is  the  Heaven  I  long  to  know  , 
For  this,  with  patience,  I  would  wait, 

Till,  weaned  from  earth  and  all  below, 
I  mount  to  my  celestial  seat, 

And  wave  my  palm,  and  wear  my  crowu, 

And,  with  the  elders,  cast  them  down. 


IN  THE   OTHER   WORLD. 

IT  lies  around  us  like  a  cloud — 
A  world  we  do  not  see ; 
Yet  the  sweet  closing  of  an  eye 
May  bring  us  there  to  be. 


52  W  THE  OTHER   WORLD. 


Its  gentle  breezes  fan  our  cheek ; 

Amid  our  worldly  cares 
Its  gentle  voices  whisper  lo  re, 

And  mingle  with  our  pra^  era. 

Sweet  hearts  aronnd  us  throb  and  beat^ 
Sweec  helping  hands  are  stirred, 

And  palpitates  the  veil  between 
With  breathings  almost  heard. 

The  silence— awful,  sweet,  and  calm  — 
They  have  no  power  to  break ; 

For  mortal  words  are  not  for  them 
To  utter  or  partake. 

So  thin,  so  soft,  so  sweet  they  glide, 
So  near  to  press  they  seem — 

They  seem  to  lull  us  to  our  rest, 
And  melt  into  our  dream. 

And  in  the  hush  of  rest  they  bring 

'Tis  easy  now  to  see 
How  lovely,  and  how  sweet  a  pass, 

The  hour  of  death  may  be. 

To  close  the  eye,  and  close  the  ear, 
Wrapped  in  a  trance  of  bliss, 

And  geutly  dream  in  loving  arms 
To  swoon  to  that— from  this. 


CHRIST  RISMN.  53 

Scarce  knowing  if  we  wake  or  sleep, 

Scarce  asking  where  we  are, 
To  feel  all  evil  sink  away, 

All  sorrow  and  all  care. 

Sweet  souls  around  us  !  watch  us  still, 

Press  nearer  to  our  side, 
Into  our  thoughts,  into  our  prayers, 

"With  gentle  helpings  glide. 

Let  death  between  us  be  as  naught, 
A  dried  and  vanished  stream : 

Your  joy  be  the  reality, 
Our  suffering  life  the  dream. 


CHRIST   RISEN. 

THE  foe  behind,  the  deep  before, 
Our  hosts  have  dared  and  past  the  sea  • 
And  Pharo ah's  waniors  strew  the  shore, 
And  Israel's  ransomed  tribes  are  free. 
Lift  up,  lift  up  your  voices  now ! 
The  whole  wide-world  rejoices  now  ! 
The  Lord  hath  triumphed  gloriously  f 
The  Lord  shall  reign  victoriously  ! 
Happy  morrow, 
Turning  sorrow 
Into  peace  and  mirth  I 


64  CHRIST  RISEN. 

Bondage  ending, 
Love  descending 

O'er  the  earth ! 
Seals  assuring, 
Guard's  securing 

Watch  his  earthly  prison, 
Seals  are  shattered, 
Guards  are  scattered, 

Christ  hath  risen ! 

No  longer  must  the  mourners  weep. 

Nor  call  departed  Christians  dead ; 
For  death  is  hallowed  into  sleep 
And  every  grave  becomes  a  bed. 

Now  once  more 

Eden's  door 
Open  stands  to  mortal  eyes ; 
Foi  Christ  hath  risen,  and  men  shall  rise : 

Now  at  last, 

Old  things  past, 
Hope,  and  joy,  and  peace  begin : 
For  Christ  hath  won,  and  men  shall  wm 

It  is  not  exile,  rest  on  high : 

It  is  not  sadness,  peace  from  strife : 

To  tall  asleep  is  not  to  die : 

To  dwell  with  Christ  i9  better  life. 


IMMANULCS  LAND.  55 

Where  our  banner  leads  us, 

We  may  safely  go  ■ 
Where  our  Chief  precedes  us, 

We  may  face  the  foe. 
His  right  arm  is  o'er  us, 

He  will  guide  us  through ; 
Christ  hath  gone  before  us ; 

Christians  !  follow  you ! 


GLORY  BWELLETH  IN  IMMANUEV8 
LAND* 


THE  sands  of  time  are  sinking, 
The  dawn  of  Heaven  breaks, 
The  Summer  morn  I've  sighed  for, 
The  fair  sweet  morn,  awakes  ! 

*  fcurnue!  Eutherford,  a  man  of  great  learning  and  talents,  waa 
first  h  Professor  in  the  University  of  Edinburgh,  then  minister 
of  the  parish  of  Anworth,  and  subsequently  Professor  of  Theo- 
logy at  fit  Andrew's,  in  Scotland.  At  one  time  he  was  impris- 
oned for  the  name  of  Jesus.  His  death-bed  was  as  remarkable 
as  his  life  had  been.  Some  of  his  dying  expressions  are  pre- 
served by  Mr.  Flemirg  in  his  Fulfilling  of  Scripture,  who  thus 
concludes  his  narrative ;  "  And  thus,  full  of  the  Spirit,  yea.  as  it 
were,  overcome  with  sensible  enjoyment",  he  breathed  out  hia 
aoul,  his  last  words  being:  'Glory,  glory  dwelleth  in  Imman- 
•el's  land  I1  * 


$6  IMMANUEDS  LAND. 


Dark,  dark  hath  been  the  midnight^ 
But  dayspring  is  at  hand^ 

And  glory — glory  dwelleth 
In  ImmanueFs  land. 

ii. 

Oh,  well  it  is  for  ever ! 

Oh,  well  for  evermore  ! 
My  nest  hung  in  no  forest 

Of  all  this  death-doomed  shore. 
Yea,  let  the  vain  world  vanish. 

As  from  the  ship  the  strand, 
While  glory — glory  dwelleth 

In  Immanuel's  land. 

iii. 
There  the  Red  Rose  of  Sharo.u 

Unfolds  its  heartsome  bloom 
And  fills  the  air  of  Heaven 

With  ravishing  perfume : 
Oh,  to  behold  it  blossom, 

While  by  its  fragrance  fannoa 
While  glory — glory  dwelleth 

In  Immanuel's  land. 

IV. 

The  King  there,  in  His  beauty. 
Without  a  vail,  is  seen : 


1MMANVEVS  LAND.  5f 

It  were  a  well-spent  journey, 
Though  seven  deaths  lay  between. 

The  Lamb,  with  His  fair  army, 
Doth  on  Mount  Zion  stand, 

And  glory — glory  dwell eth 
In  ImmanuePs  land 


Oh,  Christ  He  is  the  Fountain, 

The  deep  sweet  well  of  love ! 
The  streams  on  earth  IVe  tasted, 

More  deep  I'll  drink  above : 
There,  to  an  ocean  fulness, 

His  mercy  doth  expand, 
And  glory — glory  dwelleth 

In  Irnmanuel's  land. 


E'en  Anworth  was  not  heaven — 

E'en  preaching  was  not  Christ  j 
And  in  my  sea-beat  prison 

My  Lord  and  I  held  tryst : 
And  aye  my  murkiest  storm-cloud 

Was  by  a  rainbow  spanned, 
Caught  from  the  glory  dwelling 

In  Immanuel's  land. 


58  IMMANUEL'S  LAND 

vn. 
But  that  He  built  a  heaven 

Of  His  surpassing  love, 
A  little  New  Jerusalem, 

Like  to  the  one  above — 
"  Lord,  take  me  o'er  the  water," 

Had  been  my  loud  demand ; 
11  Take  me  to  love's  own  country, 

Unto  Immanuel's  land.1' 

VIII. 

But  flowers  need  night's  cool  darkness. 

The  moonlight  and  the  dew ; 
So  Christ,  from  one  who  loved  it, 

His  shining  oft  withdrew : 
And  then,  for  cause  of  absence, 

My  troubled  soul  I  scanned — 
But  glory,  shadeless,  shineth 

In  Immanuel's  land. 

IX. 

The  little  birds  at  Anworth 

I  used  to  count  them  blest — 
Now,  beside  happier  altars 

I  go  to  build  my  nest : 
O'er  these  there  broods  no  silence, 

No  graves  around  them  stand , 
For  glory,  deathless,  dwelleth 

In  Immanuel's  land. 


IMMANUEL'S  LAND.  59 


x. 

Fair  Anworth  by  the  Solway, 

To  me  thou  still  art  dear ! 
E'en  from  the  verge  of  Heaven 

I  drop  for  thee  a  tear. 
Oh,  if  one  soul  from  Anworth 

Meet  me  at  God's  right  hand, 
My  heaven  will  be  two  heavens 

In  Immanuel's  land. 

XI. 

I've  wrestled  on  toward  Heaven, 

'Gainst  storm,  and  wind,  and  tide 
Now,  like  a  weary  traveler, 

That  leaneth  on  his  guide, 
Amid  the  shades  of  evening, 

While  sinks  life's  lingering  sand, 
I  hail  the  glory  dawning 

From  ImmanueFs  land 

XII. 

Deep  waters  crossed  life's  pathway, 

The  hedge  of  thorns  was  sharp  : 
Now,  these  lie  all  behind  me — 

Oh,  for  a  well-tuned  harp  1 
Oh,  to  join  Hallelujah 

With  yon  triumphant  band, 
Who  sing,  where  glory  dwelletti, 

In  Immanuel's  land 


60  fMMANUEL'S  LAND. 


xm. 
With  mercy  and  with  judgment 

My  web  of  time  He  wove, 
And  aye  the  dews  of  sorrow 

Were  lustered  with  His  love : 
I'll  bless  the  Hand  that  guided, 

I'll  bless  the  Heart  that  planned. 
When  throned  where  glory  dwelletli* 

In  ImmanueFs  land. 

XIV. 

Soon  shall  the  cup  of  glory 

Wash  down  earth's  bitterest  woea, 
Soon  shall  the  desert's  brier 

Break  into  Eden's  rose ; 
The  curse  shall  change  to  blessing — 

The  name  on  earth  that's  banned. 
Be  graven  on  the  white  stone 

In  Immanuel's  land. 

xv. 
Oh,  I  am  my  Beloved's, 

And  my  Beloved  is  mine  I 
He  brings  a  poor  vile  sinner 

Into  His  "  house  of  wine  !w 
I  stand  upon  His  merit, 

I  know  no  safer  stand, 
Not  e'en  where  glory  dwelletb 

In  Immanuel's  land. 


IMMANUEL'S  LAN1>.  61 

xvr. 
I  shall  sleep  sound  in  Jesus, 

Filled  with  His  likeness  ri3e, 
To  live  and  to  adore  Him. 

To  see  Him  with  these  eyes : 
'Tween  me  and  resurrection 

But  Paradise  doth  stand ; 
Then — then  for  glory  dwelling 

In  ImmanuePs  land. 

XVII. 

The  bride  eyes  not  her  garments, 

But  her  dear  bridegroom's  face ; 
I  will  not  gaze  at  glory, 

But  on  my  King  of  Grace — 
Not  at  the  crown  He  giveth, 

But  on  His  pierced  hand : 
The  Lamb  is  all  the  glory 

Of  ImmanuePs  land. 

XVIII. 

I  have  borne  scorn  and  hatred, 

I  have  borne  wrong  and  shame 
Earth's  proud  ones  have  reproached  me, 

For  Christ's  thrice-blessed  name : 
Where  God's  seal  set  the  fairest, 

They've  stamped  their  foulest  brand ; 
But  judgment  shines  like  noonday 

In  ImmanuePs  land. 


62  SURELY  1  COME  QUICKLY 


SURELY  I  COME  QUICKLY 

O'ER  the  distant  mountains  breaking, 
Comes  the  reddening  dawn  of  day  { 
Rise,  my  soul,  from  sleep  awaking, 
Rise  and  sing,  and  watch,  and  pray,-- 

'Tis  thy  Saviour, 
On  His  bright  returning  way. 

O  Thou  long-expected,  weary 
Waits  my  anxious  soul  for  Thee  I 

Life  is  dark,  and  earth  is  dreary, 
Where  Thy  light  I  do  not  see. 

0  my  Saviour, 
When  wilt  Thou  return  to  me ! 

Long,  too  long,  in  sin  and  sadness, 
Far  away  from  Thee  I  pine ; 

When,  oh,  when  shall  I  the  gladness 
Of  Thy  Spirit  feel  in  mine ! 

O  my  Saviour, 
When  shall  I  be  wholly  Thine  1 

Heaven  is  my  soul's  salvation ; 

Spent  the  night  the  day  at  hana ; 
Keep  me  in  my  lowly  station, 

Watcbing  for  Thee,  till  I  stand, 
O  my  Saviour, 

In  Thy  bright  and  promised  land ! 


"BE  GOETH  BEFORE  THEM" 


With  my  lamp  well  trimmed  and  burning, 
Swift  to  hear,  and  slow  to  roam, 

Watching  for  Thy  glad  returning, 
To  restore  me  to  my  home, 
Come,  my  Saviour — 
0  my  Saviour,  quickly  come ! 


"HE   GOETH  BEFORE  THEM." 

THE  winds  blow  fierce  across  the  barren  wild  ; 
The  storm-clouds  gather  darkly  on  our  way ; 
'Tis  cold  !     But,  oh,  that  loving  face  and  mild, 

Which  goes  before  !  there  first  the  shadows  stay- 
And  tempests  reach  Him  first,  our  Shepherd  there 
What  He  endures  shall  we  complain  to  bear  ? 

The  night  comes  on — 'tis  dark  !  the  stars  are  dim, 
We  cannot  see  the  way  !     But,  oh,  that  form 

Which  goes  before  !  the  night  comes  first  to  Him  • 
And  darkness  first  is  His, — as  was  the  storm  ! 

Shall  we  shrink  back,  or  tremble  to  go  on, 

Where  He,  our  Shepherd,  first  for  us  hath  gone  ? 

The  way  is  rough,  and  wearying  steeps  arise ; 

And  thorns  are  there  to  wound  our  aching  feet. 
But,  oh,  those  sacred  footsteps,  firm  and  wise, 

Wliich  go  before  !  they  first  the  roughness  meet, 


64  "  EE  GOETH  BEFORE  TBEM." 


And  briers  reach  them  first !     Oh,  shall  we  dread 
To  bear  His  cross— to  walk  where  He  hath  led  ? 

The  stream  is  reached ; — the  river  dark  and  cold 
The  waves  are  high  I  But,  oh,  that  mighty  One, 

Who  goes  before  ! — the  billows  o'er  Him  rolled ; 
He  crossed  the  waters  first,  and  shall  we  shun 

The  final  anguish  which  our  Shepherd  bore  ? 

His  hand  shall  guide  us  to  the  other  shore  I 

He  goes  before  !  And  so  we  may  not  look 
Backward  at  all,  but  onward  evermore ; 

Keeping  in  sight  the  blessed  path  He  took, 
Patient  to  bear  each  cross  He  meekly  bore , 

Trusting  His  wisdom  in  the  darkest  hour ; 

O'ercoming  every  trial  through  His  power ! 

He  goes  before  1  a  shield  against  the  storm  : 
A  shadow  in  the  noon-day, — lights  at  night ; 

In  danger's  hour,  there  is  the  Shepherd's  form 
But  just  beyond;  though  fears  may  dim  oui 
sight, 

Oh,  earthly  flock,  fear  not  forevermore  ! 

Where'er  we  walk,  oui  Shepherd  "  goes  before." 


//IS  NAME.  65 


HIS    NAME 

0  WONDERFUL  !  round  whoso  birth  houi 
Prophetic  song,  miraculous  power, 
Cluster  and  hum,  like  star  and  flower. 

Those  marvelous  rays  that  at  Thy  will, 
From  the  closed  Heaven  which  is  so  chill. 
So  passionless,  streamed  round  Thee  still 

Are  but  as  broken  gleams  that  start, 
O  Light  of  lights,  from  Thy  deep  heart, 
Thyself,  Thyself,  the  Wonder  art  1 

O  Counselor  !  four  thousand  years, 
One  question,  tremulous  with  tears, 
One  awful  question,  vexed  our  peers. 

They  ask'd  the  vault,  but  no  one  spoke ; 
They  ask'd  the  depth,  no  answer  woke ; 
They  ask'd  their  hearts,  that  only  broke. 

They  looked,  and  sometimes  on  the  height 
Far  off  they  saw  a  haze  of  white, 
That  was  a  storm,  but  look'd  like  light 

The  secret  of  the  years  is  read, 
The'  enigma  of  the  quick  and  dead 
By  the  child- voice  interpreted. 
6* 


66  BIS  NAMK 


0  everlasting  Father,  God  1 

Sun  after  sun  went  down,  and  trod 

Race  after  race  the  green  earth's  sod, 

Till  generations  seemed  to  be 
But  dead  waves  of  an  endless  sea, 
But  dead  leaves  from  a  deathless  tiec. 

But  Thou  hast  come,  and  now  we  know 
Each  wave  hath  an  eternal  flow, 
Each  leaf  a  lifetime  after  snow. 

O  Prince  of  Peace  !  crown'd,  yet  discrown  *0, 
They  say  no  war  nor  battle's  sound 
Was  heard  the  tired  world  around ; 

They  say  the  hour  that  Thou  didst  come 
The  trumpet's  voice  was  stricken  dumb, 
And  no  one  beat  the  battle-drum. 

Yea,  still  as  life  to  them  that  mark. 
Its  poor  adventure  seems  a  bark, 
Whose  track  is  pale,  whose  sail  is  dark  , 

Thou  who  art  Wonderful  dost  fling 
One  ray,  till  like  a  sea-bird's  wing 
The  canvas  is  a  snowy  thing,— 


MIS  NAME.  67 

Till  the  dark  boat  is  turn'd  to  gold, 
The  sunlit-silver'd  ocean  rolled 
With  anthems  that  are  new  and  old, 

With  noble  path  of  luminous  ray 
From  the  boat  slanting  all  the  way, 
To  the  island  of  undying  day. 

And  still  as  clouding  questions  swarm 
Around  our  hearts,  and  dimly  form 
Their  problems  of  the  mist  and  storm ; 

And  still  as  ages  fleet,  but  fraught 
With  syllables,  whereby  is  wrought 
The  fullness  of  the  Eternal  thought ; 

And  when  not  yet  in  God's  sunshine, 
The  smoke  drifts  from  the  embattled  line 
Of  warning  hearts  that  would  be  Thine  J 

We  bid  our  doubts  and  passions  cease, 
Our  restless  fears  be  still'd  with  these*  - 
Counselor,  Father,  Prince  of  Peace  \ 


68  THE  E'EN  BRINGS  Ay  SAME. 


THE  E'EN  BRINGS  A'   EAME. 

UPON  the  bills  the  wind  is  sharp  and  cold, 
The  sweet  young  grasses  wither  on  the  wold, 
And  we,  O  Lord  !  have  wander' d  from  Thy  fold ; 
But  evening  brings  us  home. 

Among  the  mists  we  stumbled,  and  the  rocks 
Where  the  brown  lichen  whitens,  and  the  fox 
Watches  the  straggler  from  the  scattered  flocks ; 
But  evening  brings  us  home. 

The  sharp  thorns  prick  us,  and  our  tender  feet 
Are  cut  and  bleeding,  and  the  lambs  repeat 
Their  pitiful  complaints — oh,  rest  is  sweet 
When  evening  brings  us  home. 

We  have  been  wounded  by  the  hunters'  darts ; 
Our  eyes  are  very  heavy,  and  our  hearts 
Search  for  Thy  coming — when  the  light  departs 
At  evening,  bring  us  home. 

The  darkness  gamers.    Through  the  gloom  no  star 
Rises  to  guide  us.     We  have  wander'd  far — 
Without  Thy  lamp  we  know  not  where  we  are ; 
At  evening  bring  us  home. 


KNOCKING,  EVER  KNOCKING.  69 


The  clouds  are  round  us,  and  the   snow- drifts 

thicken  : 
0  Thou,  dear  Shepherd  I  leave  us  not  to  sicken 
In  the  waste  night ;   our  tardy  footsteps  quicken, 

At  evening  bring  us  home. 


KNOCKING,   EVER  KNOCKING. 

[Suggested  by  Hunt's  Picture  of  the  "  Light  of  the  Wosld.  J 

u  Behold,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock  t" 

KNOCKING,  knocking,  ever  knocking  t 
Who  is  there  ? 
'Tis  a  pilgrim,  strange  and  kingly, 

Never  such  was  seen  before  ; — 
Ah,  sweet  soul,  for  such  a  wonder 
Undo  the  door. 

No  !  that  door  is  hard  to  open ; 
Hinges  rusty,  latch  is  broken  ; 

Bid  Him  go. 
Wherefore,  with  that  knocking  dreary 
Scare  the  sleep  from  one  so  weary  ? 

Say  Him — no. 

Knocking,  knocking,  ever  knocking  ? 

What !     Still  there  ? 
Oh,  sweet  soul,  but  once  behold  Him, 
With  the  glory  crowned  hair; 


70  KNOCKING,  EVER  KNOCKING. 


And  those  eyes,  so  strange  and  tender, 

Waiting  there ; 
Open  I     Open  !     Once  behold  Him — 

Him,  so  fair ! 

Ah,  that  door  I    Why  wilt  Thou  vex  me, 

Coming  ever  to  perplex  me  ? 

For  the  key  is  stiffly  rusty, 

And  the  bolt  is  clogg'd  and  dusty ; 

Many-finger' d  ivy  vine 

Seals  it  fast  with  twist  and  twine ; 

Weeds  of  years,  and  years  before, 

Choke  the  passage  of  that  door. 

Knocking, knocking !  What?  Still  knocking i 

He  still  there  ? 
What's  the  hour  ?    The  night  is  waning — 
In  my  heart  a  drear  complaining, 

And  a  chilly,  sad  unrest ! 
Ah,  this  knocking  !     It  disturbs  me  ! 
Scares  my  sleep  with  dreams  unblest ! 

Give  me  rest  : 

Rest  —ah,  rest ! 

Rest,  dear  soul,  He  longs  to  give  thee ; 
Thou  hast  only  dream'd  of  pleasure — 
Dream'd  of  gifts  and  golden  treasure — 
Dream'd  of  jewels  in  thy  keeping, 


JACOB'S  LADDER.  71 


Waked  to  weariness  of  weeping  ; — 
Open  to  thy  soul's  one  Lover, 
And  thy  night  of  dreams  is  over, — 
The  true  gifts  He  brings  have  seeming 
More  than  all  thy  faded  dreaming ! 

Did  she  Dpen  ?    Doth  she  ?    Will  she  ? 
80,  as  wondering  we  behold, 
Grows  the  picture  to  a  sign, 
Press' d  upon  your  soul  and  mine ; 
For  in  every  breast  that  liveth 
Ts  that  strange  mysterious  door  ; — 
The  forsaken  and  betangled, 
Ivy-gnarled  and  weed-bej angled, 
Dusty,  rusty,  and  forgotten  ;— 
There  the  pierced  hand  still  knocketi*. 
And  with  ever  patient  watching. 
With  the  sad  eyes  true  and  tender, 
With  the  glory-crowned  hair, — 
Still  a  God  is  waiting  there. 


J  A  COB'  S   LADDER. 

AS  I  many  a  time  we  look  on  starlit-nights 
Up  to  the  sky,  as  Jacob  did  of  old  ; 
Look  longing  up  to  the  eternal  lights, 
To  spell  their  lives  of  gold. 


*2  JA  COB 'S  LA DD  ER. 


But  never  more,  as  to  the  Hebrew  boy, 

Each  on  his  way  the  Angels  walk  abroad, 
And  never  more  we  hear,  with  awful  joy, 
The1  audible  voice  of  God 

Yet,  to  pure  eyes  the  ladder  still  is  set, 

And  Angel  visitants  still  come  and  go  ; 
Many  bright  messengers  are  moving  yet 
From  the  dark  world  below. 

Thoughts,  that  are  surely  Faith's  outspreading 
wings — 
Prayers  of  the  Church,  aye  keeping  time  and 
tryst— 
Heart-wishes,  making  bee-like  murmunngs, 
Their  flower  the  Eucharist. 

Spirits  elect,  through  suffering  render' d  meet 

For  those  high  mansions — from  the  nursery-door 
Bright  babes  that  seem  to  climb  with  clay-cold 
feet, 

Up  to  the  Golden  Floor — 

These  are  the  messengers,  forever  wending 
From  earth  to  Heaven,  that  faith  alono  maj 
scan; 
These  are  the  Angels  of  our  God,  ascending 
Upon  the  Son  of  Man  ! 


MARAH.  ^a 


M  A  R  A  H. 

(1 OD  sends  us  bitter,  that  the  sweet, 
JT  By  absence  known,  may  sweeter  proye ; 
As  dark  for  light,  as  cold  for  heat, 
Brings  greater  love. 

God  sends  us  bitter,  as  to  show 

He  can  both  sweet  and  bitter  send ; 

That  both  the  might  and  love  we  know 

Of  our  great  Friend. 

He  sends  us  bitter,  lest  too  gay 

We  wreathe  around  our  heads  the  rose, 
Ajttd  count  our  right,  what  Heaven  eash  it*} 
Ad  alms  bestows. 

God  sends  us  bitter,  lest  we  fail 

That  bitterest  Grief  aright  to  prize 
Which  did  for  all  the  world  avail 
In  His  own  eyes. 

God  sends  us  bitter,  all  our  sms 
Embittering  ;  yet  so  kindly  sends, 
The  path  that  bitterness  begins 
In  swiftness  ends. 
7 


MaSAR 

He  sends  us  bitter,  that  Heaven's  sweet, 
Earth's  bitter  o'er,  may  sweeter  taste : 
As  Canaan's  ground  to  Israel's  feet, 
For  that  great  waste. 

Our  passions  murmur  and  rebel, 

But  Faith  cries  out  unto  the  Lord, 
And  prayer  by  patience  worketh  well 
Its  own  reward. 

For,  if  our  heart  the  lesson  draws 

Aright,  by  bitter  chastening  taught, 
To  keep  His  statutes  and  His  laws 
Even  as  we  ought, 

He  openeth  our  eyes  to  see 

(Eyes  that  our  pride  of  heart  had  sea  Id) 
The  sweetness  of  Life's  heavenly  Tree, 
And  grief  is  heal'd. 

And  lo  I  before  us  in  the  way 

We  view  the  fountains  and  the  palms, 
And  drink,  and  pitch  our  tents,  and  stay 
Singing  sweet  psalms. 


PEE  PAOEM  AD  Ll/CEM.  ffi 

PER  PACEM  AD  LUCEM. 

I  DO  not  ask,  0  Lord  !  that  life  may  be 
A  pleasant  road ; 
I  do  not  ask  that  Thou  wouldst  take  from  me 

Aught  of  its  load  ; 
I  do  not  ask  that  flowers  should  always  spring 

Beneath  my  feet  ; 
I  know  too  well  the  poison  and  the  sting 

Of  things  too  sweet. 
For  one  thing  only,  Lord,  dear  Lord  !  I  plead : 

Lead  me  aright — 
Though  strength  should  falter,  and  though  heart 
should  bleed —    . 

Through  Peace  to  Light. 

1  do  not  ask,  O  Lord !  that  Thou  shouidst  shed 

Full  radiance  here ; 
Give  but  a  ray  of  Peace,  that  I  may  tread 

Without  a  fear. 
I  do  not  ask  my  cross  to  understand, 

My  way  to  see, — 
Better  in  darkness  just  to  feel  Thy  Hand, 

And  follow  Thee. 
Joy  is  like  restless  day,  but  Peace  Divine 

Like  quiet  night. 
Lead  me,  O  Lord  I  till  perfect  Day  shall  shine^ 

Through  Peace  to  Light. 


76  "EVE2TAS  THOU  WILTS 


(£VEN*  AS   THOU   WILT:9 

Ci  T  T  A. YE  mercy  on  me,  Lord  I" 

1J    She  followed  Him,  and  cried ;  and  when 
there  came 
No  answer,  followed,  crying  still  the  same, — 
"  Have  mercy  on  me,  Lord  1" 

"  Send  her  away,"  they  said — 
They  who  should  be  dispensers  of  His  grace, 
Would  have  Him  turn  from  her  who  sought  JJii 
face : 

44  Send  her  away,"  they  said. 

He  spoke  their  thought  aloud — 
u  It  is  not  meet  to  take  the  children's  bread 
And  cast  it  to  the  dogs  " — as  if  He  said, 
uHow  poor  ye  are  and  proud/' 

M  Yea,  Lord  !  and  yet  the  dogs 
Eat  of  the  crumbs  that  from  the  children  fall % 
Bhe  pleaded — "  and  there  is  enough  for  aU — 

For  children  and  for  dogs." 

And  He  to  her  rerjlied, 
u  E?en  as  Thou  wilt,  so  be  it  unto  Thee. 
Thy  heart  the  measure  of  the  grace  shall  be 

From  my  rich  store  supplied/' 


THE  TWO  SUNSETS.  7J 

She  had  the  thing  she  would — 
Lord  !  if  I  dip  my  cup  into  the  sea, 
ft  rises  full.     Such  cup  each  soul  may  be, 

Such  Ocean  is  Thy  good  ! 


THE    TWO    SUNSETS. 

VTO  bird-song  floated  down  the  hill, 
Jjl    The  tangled  bank  below  was  still ; 

No  rustle  from  the  birchen  stem, 
No  ripple  from  the  water's  hem. 

The  dusk  of  twilight  round  us  grew 
We  felt  the  falling  of  the  dew  ; 

For,  from  us,  ere  the  day  was  done, 
The  wooded  hills  shut  out  ihe  sun. 

But  on  the  river's  farther  side, 
We  saw  the  hill-tops  glorified : 

A  tender  glow,  exceeding  fair, 
A  dream  of  day  without  its  glare. 

With  us  the  damp,  the  chill,  the  gloom 
With  them  the  sunset's  rosy  bloom ; 
7* 


78  VHE  TWO  SUNSETS. 


While  dark,  through  willowy  vistas  seen. 
The  river  rolled  in  shade  between. 

From  out  the  darkness,  where  we  trod, 
We  gazed  upon  those  hills  of  God, 

Whose  light  seemed  not  of  moon  or  sun ; 
We  spake  not,  but  our  thought  was  one. 

We  paused,  as  if  from  that  bright  shore 
Beckoned  our  dear  ones  gone  before ; 

And  stilled  our  beating  hearts  to  hear 
The  voices  lost  to  mortal  ear  ! 

Sudden  our  pathway  turned  from  night ; 
The  hills  swung  open  to  the  light ; 

Thro'  their  green  gates  the  sunshine  showed 
A  long,  slant  splendor  downward  flowed. 

Down  glade,  and  glen,  &nd  bank  it  rolled  : 
It  bridged  the  shaded  stream  with  gold, 

And,  oorne  on  piers  01  mist,  allied 
The  shadowy  with  the  sunlit  side  ! 

4t  So,"  prayed  we,  "  when  our  feet  ^raw  near 
The  river,  dark  with  mortal  fear, 


WHY  DOST  THOU  WAIT?  79 

And  the  night  cometh,  chiD  with  dew, 
O  Father  !  let  Thy  light  break  through  ! 

So  let  the  hills  of  doubt  divide, 

So  bridge  with  faith  the  sunless  tide  ! 

So  let  the  eyes  that  fail  on  earth 
On  Thy  eternal  hills  look  forth  ; 

And,  in  Thy  beckoning  angels,  know 
The  dear  ones  whom  we  loved  below  !'* 


WHY  DOST  THOU   WAIT/ 

POOR  trembling  lamb  I     Ah,  who  outside  the 
fold 
Has  bid  thee  stand,  all  weary  as  thou  art  ? 
Dangers  around  thee,  and  the  bitter  cold 

Creeping  and  growing  to  thine  inmost  heart ; 
Who  bids  thee  wait  till  some  mysterious  feeling, 
Thou  know'st  not  what — perchance  may  nevej 
know — 
Shall  find  thee  where  in  darkness  thou  art  kneel- 

And  fill  thee  with  a  rich  and  wondrous  glow 
Of  lo7e  and  faith ;  and  change  to  warmth  and 

ught 

The  chill  and  darkness  of  thy  spirit's  night  ? 


80  WHY  DOST  THOU  WAIT? 


For  miracles  like  this,  who  bids  thee  wait  ? 

Behold,  "  The  Spirit  and  the  Bride  say,  Come  V 
The  tender  Shepherd  opens  wide  the  gate, 

And  in  His  love  would  gently  lead  tliee  home. 
Why  shouldst  thou  wait  ?     Long  centuries  ago, 

Thou  timid  lamb,  tiie  Shepherd  paid  for  thee. 
Thou   art    His   own.     Wouldst   thou   J I  is  beauty 
know, 

Nor  trust  the  love  which  yet  thou  canst  not  see  ? 
Thou  hast  not  learned  this  lesson  to  receive; 

More  bless'd  are  they  who  see  not,  yet  believe. 

Still  dost  thou  wait  lor  feeling  ?     Dost  thou  say, 

"  Fain  would  I  love  and  trust,  but  hope  is  dead  ; 
I  have  no  faith,  and  without  faith,  who  may 

Rest  in  the  blessing  which  is  only 
Upon  the  faithful  ?     I  must  stand  and  wait." 

Not  so.    The  Shepherd  does  not  ask  of  thee 
Faith  in  thy  faith,  but  only  faith  in  Him. 

And  this  lie  meant  in  saying,  u  Come  to  Me  ln 
[n  light  or  darkness  seek  to  do  His  will, 

And  leave  thy  work  of  faith  to  Jesus  still. 


TEE  EVERLASTING  MEMORIAL.  %\ 


THE  EVERLASTING   MEMORIAL 

UP  and  away,  like  the  dew  of  the  morning, 
That  soars  from  the  earth  to  its  home  in  the 
sun, — 
So  let  me  steal  away,  gently  and  lovingly, 
Only  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

My  name,  and  my  place,  and  my  tomb  all  for* 
gotten. 

The  brief  race  of  time  well  and  patiently  run, 
Bo  let  me  pass  awa^,  peacefully,  silently, 

Only  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

Gladly  away  from  this  toil  would  I  hasten, 
Up  to  the  crown  that  for  me  has  been  won ; 

Un thought  of  by  man  in  rewards  or  in  praises, — 
Only  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

dp  and  away,  like  the  odors  of  sunset, 
That  sweeten  the  twilight  as  darkness  cornea 
on ; 

So  be  my  life, — a  thing  felt  but  not  noticed, 
And  I  but  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

Yes,  like  the  fragrance  that  wanders  in  freshness, 
When  the  flowers  that  it  came  from  are  closed 
up  and  gone ; 


82  THE  EVERLASTING  MEMORIAL. 

So  would  I  be  to  this  world's  weary  dwellers, 
Only  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

Needs  there  the  praise  of  the  love-written  record, 

The  name  and  the  epitaph  graved  on  the  stone  \ 

The  things  we  have  lived  for, — let  them  be  our 

story, 

We  ourselves  but  remembered  by  what  we  have 

done. 

I  need  not  be  missed,  if  my  life  has  been  bearing 
(As  its  Summer  and  Autumn  moved  silently  on) 

The  bloom,  and  the  fruit,  and  the  seed  of  its  season  ; 
I  shall  still  be  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 

I  need  not  be  missed,  if  another  succeed  me, 
To  reap  down  those  fields  which  in  Spring  I 
have  sown  • 
He  who  plowed  and  who  sowed  is  not  missed  by 
the  reaper, 
He  is  only  remembered  by  what  he  has  done. 

Not  myself,  but  the  truth  that  in  life  I  have 
spoken. 
Not  myself,  but  the  seed  that  in  life  I  have 
sown, 
Shall  pass  on  to  ages,— all  about  me  forgotten, 
Save  the  truth  I  have  spoken,  the  things  I  have 
done. 


THE  TWO  VILLAGES,  83 

60  let  my  living  be,  so  be  my  dying ; 

So  let  my  name  lie,  unblazoned,  unknown  ; 
(Tnpraised  and  unmissed,  I  shall  still  be  remem* 
beted ; 

Yes, — but  remembered  by  what  I  have  done. 


THE    TWO    VILLAGES 

OVER  the  river  on  the  hill 
Lieth  a  village  white  and  still ; 
All  around  it  the  forest-trees 
Shiver  and  whisper  in  the  breeze  ; 
Over  it  sailing  shadows  go 
Of  soaring  hawk  and  screaming  crow, 
And  mountain  grasses,  low  and  sweet, 
Grow  in  the  middle  of  every  street. 

Over  the  river  under  the  hill 
Another  village  lieth  still ; 
There  I  see  in  the  cloudy  night, 
Twinkling  stars  of  household  light, 
Fires  that  gleam  from  the  smithy's  door, 
Mists  that  curl  on  the  river's  shore ; 
And  in  the  roads  no  grasses  grow, 
For  the  wheels  that  hasten  to  and  fro. 

In  that  village  on  the  hill 
Never  is  3outd  of  smithy  or  mill 


64  THE  WAYSIDE  WATORSH. 

The  Douses  are  thatched  with  grass  and  tiower^ 

Never  a  clock  to  tell  the  hours ; 

The  marble  doors  are  always  shut ; 

You  may  not  enter  at  hall  or  hut  • 

All  the  village  lie  asleep  ; 

Never  a  grain  to  sow  or  reap ; 

Never  in  dreams  to  moan  or  sigh, 

Silent,  and  idle,  and  low  they  lie. 

In  that  village  under  the  hill, 
When  the  night  is  starry  and  still, 
Many  a  weary  soul  in  prayer 
Looks  to  the  other  village  there, 
And  weeping  and  sighing,  longs  to  go 
Up  to  that  home,  from  this  below ; 
Longs  to  sleep  by  the  forest  wild, 
Whither  have  vanished  wife  and  child, 
And  hearelh,  praying,  this  answer  fall — 
"  Patience  !  that  village  shall  hold  ye  al.  !w 


THE    fVAYSIDE   WATCHER. 

CC  A  LL  the  day  you  3it  here  idle, 
xjl  And  the  Master  at  the  door ! 

The  lields  are  white  to  harvest, 
And  our  labor  almost  o'er. 

You  are  dreaming,  you  are  dreaming  f 
Time  is  gliding  fast  away  ; 


THE  WAYSIDE  WATCHER.  95 

See  !  the  eventide  is  waning, 
Soon  shall  break  eternal  day." 

M  Brother,  my  hand  is  feeble, 

My  strength  is  well-nigh  spent : 
I  saw  you  all  at  noon-clay, 

And  I  marked  the  way  ye  went 
I  cried,  '  God's  blessing  on  them, 

"What  a  favored  band  they  be  1 
But  m  watch  upon  the  highway, 

God  may  rind  a  work  for  me.' n 

M  Yet  you  tarry,  yet  you  tarry," 

Said  the  laborer  again, 
"  You  may  idle  on  the  highway, 

And  wait  all  day  in  vain. 
Tis  easy  labor  '  waiting  ;' 

On  the  dusty  road  we  tread 
To  toil  within  the  vineyard : 

Go  out  and  work  instead." 

The  watcher  smiled  and  answered, 

"  My  brother,  is  it  so  ? 
Who  waiteth  on  the  Master, 

The  Masters  will  shall  know. 
He  hath  taught  me  one  sweet  lesson 

I  have  learnt  it  not  too  late, 
There  is  service  for  the  feeblest 

That  only  stand  and  wait." 
8 


66  TEE  WAYSIDE  WATCHER. 


I  sat  me  by  the  hedge-row, 

No  burden  could  I  bear, 
But  I  often  thought,  how  blessed 

In  ^he  field  to  have  a  share ! 
The  loving  Master  whispered, 

Through  the  often  lonely  day, 
"  Still  wait  on  Me,  thou  weak  one. 

The  lame  shall  take  the  prey." 

Not  long  I  tarried  watching : 

A  wayfarer  drew  nigh, 
He  was  weary,  sad,  and  hungry, 

For  the  glowing  sun  was  high. 
His  foot  lagged  faint  and  fainter, 

His  eyes  were  downward  cast ; 
That  laborer  by  my  lattice 

At  early  morn  had  passed. 

I  drew  him  'neath  the  trellis 

Of  the  vine's  inviting  shade, 
Down  by  the  soft  green  pasture 

Our  Shepherd's  love  hath  made. 
I  fetched  him  from  the  streamlet 

Fresh  water  for  his  feet, 
I  spread  the  bread  before  him, 

And  bade  him  rest  and  eat. 

He  bathed  in  the  bright  fountain, 
Aud  then  refreshed  and  strong. 


THE  WAYSIDE  WATCHER.  g»J 

He  journeyed  on  rejoicing : 

You  could  hear  his  happy  song, 

Where,  on  the  dusty  wayside, 
The  traveler  had  been, 

Stood  One,  in  heavenly  beauty, 
With  more  than  regal  mien. 

"  I  thank  thee,"  said  the  Stranger, 

u  For  all  thy  cares  afford, 
For  rest,  and  food,  and  welcome, 

Beside  thy  simple  board." 
u  Nay,  Lord,"  I  said,  u  what  succor 

Have  I  bestowed  on  Thee  ?" 
"  Thy  service  to  my  servant 

Hath  ail  been  done  to  Me." 

Oh,  it  was  well  worth  watching, 

A  Summer's  day  alone ; 
Well  worth  the  weary  waiting, 

To  hear  His  sweet  "  Well  done  P5 
Is  it  too  small  a  matter, 

That  in  man's  foolish  pridt 
He  scorns  one  heart  to  gladden 

For  which  the  Saviour  died  ? 

Oh,  ever  blessed  Master  1 

The  harvest -field  is  fair, 
And  Thou  hast  better  servants. 

Than  Thy  weak  one,  everywhere. 


83  the  wayside  watcher. 


Thou  never  hast  forsaken 
One  waiting  by  the  way ; 

Still  meet  ine  with  a  promise, 

That  the  lame  shall  take  the  prey. 

From  the  tangled  thicket  near  me 

I  heard  a  mournful  cry  ; 
A  little  child  had  wandered 

From  the  sunny  path  hard  by ; 
His  hands  were  torn  with  briers, 

His  hot  tears  fell  like  rain  ; 
And  he  wept,  lest  he  should  never 

See  his  father's  face  again. 

Close  to  my  heart  I  drew  him, 

And  pointed  to  the  sky  ; 
I  showed  him  how  the  dark  clouds, 

So  slowly  sailing  by, 
But  veiled  the  bright  sun's  radiance 

From  valley  and  from  hill ; 
For  the  faithful  sun  was  shining 

In  all  his  glory  still ! 

He  ceased  to  weep,  and  listened ; 

I  soothed  his  childish  woe ; 
Then  on  the  way  I  led  him, 

And  soon  beheld  him  go 


THE  WAYSIDE  WATCHER.  $fe 


Back  through  the  green  fields  singing  • 
3weet  was  the  joyful  sound, 

That  told  the  father's  welcome, 
And  the  little  wanderer  found I 

Then  on  the  highway,  near  me, 

I  saw  the  Stranger  stand — 
Stranger  no  more  !     He  guided 

The  fair  child  by  the  hand. 
"  I  thank  thee,"  said  He  softly, 

"  Thou  hast  not  watched  in  vain  5 
Behold  my  child  returned 

Safe  to  my  arms  again." 

What  grace  is  Thine,  O  Master ! 

For  work  so  poor  and  scant ; 
How  glorious  is  the  guerdon 

My  loving  Lord  doth  grant  1 
I  only  saw  a  nursling 

Was  wandering  astray : 
Oh,  it  is  worth  cross-bearing 

To  wait  for  Thee  one  day  ! 

Have  yc  known  the  shadows  darken 

On  weary  nights  of  pain, 
And  hours  that  seem  to  lengthen 

Till  the  night  comes  round  again  ? 

q* 


90  THE  WAYSIDE  WATVHEIi. 

The  folded  hands  seem  idle  ! 

If  folded  at  His  word, 
'Tis  a  holy  service,  trust  me, 

It  obedience  to  the  Lord. 


Ye  know  the  joy  of  labor 

Within  the  busy  field  ; 
But  there  are  deeper  pleasure? 

A  faithful  heart  may  yield. 
To  willing  ones  that  suffer, 

And  listen  at  His  feet, 
From  the  far-off  land  God  givetl 

The  fruit  of  life  to  eat. 

Brief  is  my  hour  of  labor : 

My  Lord  my  lot  hath  cast  * 
He  giveth  royal  wages 

To  the  first-called  as  the  last. 
1  have  seen  Him  in  His  beauty, 

While  waiting  here  alone — 
I  know  Him  ever  near  me, 

For  He  cannot  leave  His  own 

None  e'er  shall  lack  a  service, 
Who  only  seek  His  will ; 

And  He  doth  teach  His  children 
To  suffei  and  be  still. 


OAST  DC  WN  B UT  NOT  DESTRO  TED.       91 

In  love's  deep  fount  of  treasures 
Such  precious  things  are  stored, 

Laid  up  for  you,  0  blessed 
That  wait  upon  the  Lord  1 


CAST  DOWN  BUT  NOT  DESTROYED. 

MUCH  have  I  borne,  but  not  as  I  should  bear ; 
The  proud  will  unsubdued,  the  formal  prayei 
Tell  me  Thou  yet  wilt  chide.  Thou  canst  not  spare 

O  Lord,  Thy  chastening  rod ! 
0  help  me,  Father  !  for  my  sinful  heart 
Back  from  this  discipline  of  grief  would  start, 
Unmindful  of  His  sorer,  deeper  smart, 
Who  died  for  me,  my  God  I 

Yet  if  each  wish  denied,  each  woe  and  pain, 
Break  but  some  link  of  that  oppressive  chain 
Which  binds  us  still  to  earth,  and  leaves  a  stain 

Thou  only  canst  remove — 
Then  am  I  blest — oh,  blis3  from  man  concealed  I 
If  here  to  Christ,  the  weak  one's  tower  and  shield 
My  heart  through  sorrow  be  set  free  to  yield 

A  service  of  deep  love. 


92  ABOUNDING  IN  BO  PH. 


ABOUNDING  IN  HOPE. 

HOPE,  Christian  soul !  in  every  stage 
Of  tliis,  thine  earthly  pilgrimage, 
Let  heavenly  joy  thy  thoughts  engage — 
Abound  in  hope. 


Hope  !  though  thy  lot  be  want  and  woe, 
Though  hate's  rude  storms  against  thee  blow. 
Thy  Saviour's  lot  was  such  below — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope  !  for  to  all  who  meekly  bear 
His  cross,  He  gives  His  crown  to  wear ; 
Abasement  here  is  glory  there — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope !  though  thy  dear  ones  round  thee  di& 
Behold  with  Faith's  illumined  eye 
Their  deathless  home  beyond  the  sky — 
Abound  in  hope. 

Hope  !  for  upon  that  happy  shore 
Sorrow  and  sighing  will  be  o'er, 
And  friends  shall  meet  to  part  no  more- 
Abound  in  hope. 


»HE  Q1YETH  SONGS  IN  THE  NIGHT:*        93 

Hope  through  the  watches  of  the  night : 
Hope  till  the  morrow  bring  the  light : 
Hope  till  thy  faith  be  lost  in  sight — 
Abound  in  hope. 


HE   GIVETII  SONGS  IN  THE  NIGHT" 

YI7E  praise  Thee  oft  for  hours  of  bliss, 
!  T    For  days  of  quiet  rest ; 
But,  oh,  how  seldom  do  we  feel 
That  pain  and  tears  are  best  I 


We  praise  Thee  for  the  shining  sun, 
For  kind  and  gladsome  ways  : 

When  shall  we  learn,  0  Lord  !  to  sing 
Through  weary  nights  and  days. 

We  praise  Thee  when  our  path  is  plain 
And  smooth  beneath  our  feet ; 

But  fain  would  learn  to  welcome  pain, 
And  call  the  bitter  sweet. 

When  rises  first  the  blush  of  hope, 

Our  hearts  begin  to  sing  ; 
But  surely  not  for  this  alone 

Should  we  our  gladness  bring. 


94        "  H.E  GIVETH  SONGS  IN  TEE  NIGHTS 


Are  there  no  hours  of  conflict  fierce. 

No  weary  toils  and  pains, 
No  watchings,  and  no  bitterness, 

That  bring  their  blessed  gains  ? 

That  biing  their  blessed  gains  full  vpeM 

In  truer  faith  and  love, 
And  patience  sweet,  and  gentleness, 

From  our  dear  Home  above  1 

Teach  Thou  our  weak  and  wandering  hearta 

Alight  to  read  Thy  way, — 
That  Thou  with  loving  hand  dost  trace 

Our  history  every  day. 

Then  every  thorny  crown  of  care 

Worn  well  in  patience  now, 
Shall  grow  a  glorious  diadem 

Upon  the  faithful  brow ; 

And  every  word  of  grief  shall  change 

And  wave  a  blessed  flower, 
And  lift  its  face  beneath  our  feet; 

To  bless  us  every  hour  ; 

And  Sorrow's  face  shall  be  unveiled, 

And  we  at  last  shall  see 
Her  eyes  are  eyes  of  tenderness, 

Her  speech  but  echoes  Thee  I 


NEAREST  AND  DEAREST.  93 


NEAREST  AND  DEAREST. 

IT  was  the  Sabbath's  blessed  evening  hour, 
And  the  dusk  stillness  of  the  fire-lit  room 
Fell  on  the  spirit  with  a  soothing  power, 

A  spell  of  holy  calm  unmixed  with  gloom. 
The  fire-light  flickered  upon  steadfast  eyes, 

Brows  where  the  Prince  of  Peace  his  seal  had  set 
And  tremulous  lips  where  echoes  of  the  skies, 
Most  eloquent  in  silence,  lingered  yet. 

At  length  the  musing  of  one  heart  found  way ; 

"  Oh,  it  is  bliss  1"  she  said,  "  to  join  the  throng 
That  fills  God's  temple  on  His  holy  day, 

With  the  full  harmony  of  sacred  song. 
Surely  the  soul  draws  nearest  to  Him  there, 

And  bows  with  holiest  awe  before  His  throne ; 
Surely  the  highest  bliss  of  faith  and  prayer 

Is  found  within  those  sacred  courts  alone  !" 

w  Nay  "  said  another,  u  not  alone  !    Our  Lord 
Dwells  not  in  temples  made  with  hands.     Ht 
fills 

The  lone  heights  of  the  everlasting  hills, 

And  dwells  with  all  who  tremble  at  Hi3  word ! 

And  I  have  felt  His  blessed  presence  more, 
And  c  wned  with  lowlier  awe  its  hallowing  swaj 


96  NEAREST  AND  DEARES  T. 

On  the  lone  hill-side  or  the  wave- washed  shore, 
Than  even  in  His  house  of  prayer  to-day." 

Then  spake  a  third — "  Oh,  friends,  full  well  I  know 

The  joys  ye  speak  of;  but  one  dearer  far 
Comes  to  me  often  in  the  ceaseless  flow 

Of  week-day  cares,  amid  earth's  din  and  jar, 
When  for  a  moment's  breatliing-time  I  pause, 

Saying,  '  O  Master,  bless/  and  lo  !  the  while, 
He  stands  beside  me,  and  my  spirit  draws 

A  heaven  of  rest,  and  gladness  from  His  smile." 

She^ceased,  and  then  one  answered  yet  again — 

"  Yea,  it  is  always  bliss  to  feel  Him  near 
In  crowd,  or  solitude,  or  sacred  fane, 

But  never  is  His  presence  half  so  dear 
As  when  the  storms  of  sorrow  o'er  us  meet, 

And  we  with  bleeding  heart  and  baffled  will, 
Faint  yet  pursuing '  struggle  to  His  feet, 

And  lay  our  souls  before  Him,  and  are  still." 

Then  all  were  silent,  and  my  heart  said,  "  Yea, 
Thou  hast  well  spoken,  thou  dost  well  to  prize, 

Higher  than  any  bliss  beneath  the  skies, 
The  faith  that  clings  and  trusts  Him '  though  He 
slay.' 

This  is  the  one  note  in  the  song  of  praise, 
Rolling  from  all  creation  round  the  throne. 


KEEP  N01  FOR  HER  t  97 

rhat  only  human  hearts  sore  tried  can  raise, 
And  even  they  in  this  brief  life  alone." 


WEEP    NOT   FOR    HER! 

WEEP  not  for  her,  for  she  hath  crossed  tho 
riyer, 
We  almost  saw  Him  meet  her  on  the  shore, 
ind  lead  her  through  the  golden  gates,  where 
never 
Sorrow  or  death  can  enter  any  more. 

Weep  not  for  her,  that  she  hath  reached  before  ua 
The  safe,  warm  shelter  of  her  long-loved  home ; 

Weep  not  for  her,  she  may  be  bending  o'er  us, 
In  quiet  wonder  when  we  too  shall  come. 

Weep  not  for  her ;  think  how  she  may  be  kneeling 
Gazing  her  fill  upon  the  Master's  face  ; 

L  loving,  humble  smile,  but  half  revealing 
The  perfect  peace  she  feels  in  Mary's  place. 

But  weep   for  those  round  whom  the   fight  ifi 
1  hronging, 
Who  still  must  buckle  heavy  armour  on, 
Who  dare  not  pray  for  rest,  thougn  sore  theil 
longing. 
Till  all  the  weary  working  day  be  done. 
9 


98  4&  OPJSN  DOOR. 

And  pray  for  tliem,  that  they,  though  sad  and 
lonely, 

May  still  with  patience  bear  the  cross  He  sends, 
And  learn  that  tears,  and  wounds,  and  losses,  only 

Make  peace  the  sweeter  wh  n  the  warfare  enda 


AN    OPEN   DOOR. 

OH,  never  say  that  the  door  is  shut 
To  any  watcher  weary  of  sin  ! 
Thou  knowest  who  said,  and  who  says  it  still, 

"  Ye  weary  and  troubled  to  rest,  come  in." 
We  may  stand  without  till  He  says,  "  Too  late," 
But  God's  is  never  a  fast  shut  gate. 

And  though  we  have  often  refused  to  come, 
And  chosen  to  wander  alone  in  the  night, 

He  follows  us  home,  and  at  our  shut  door 
He  knocks,  and  offers  us  love  and  light  t 

And  He  says  to  each,  u  Thou  rebellious  child, 

I  beseech  thee  this  night  to  be  reconciled  I" 

And  we  answer,  "  O  Christ !  it  is  cold  and  1  irk, 
And  I  long  to  be  warm,  and  safe,  and  free, 

But  Satan  has  bound  me  and  locked  the  door. 
And  he  holds  me  back  when  I  touc\i  the  key 

He  told  me  once  that  my  home  was  bright, 

But  now  I  feel  it  is  always  night." 


AS  OPEN  DOOR.  99 

And  we  hear  a  Voice,  though  the  door  is  shut, 
We  can  catch  the  words  though  the  wind  is  high, 

As  the  Holy  Spirit  unlocks  the  door, 
And  Jesus  enters  and  says,  "  'Tis  I !" 

And  straightway  our  fetters  broken  fall. 

And  we  know  that  our  Saviour  has  done  it  all. 

Then  never  say  that  his  door  is  shut — 
He  loved  us  before  we  had  heard  his  name ; 

He  offered  us  pardon,  and  hope,  and  Heaven, 
And  if  we  refuse,  d  it,  is  Christ  to  blame  ? 

If  in  unbelief  we  shut  the  gate, 

Can  we  say  that  Ciirist  has  made  us  wait  ? 

And  He  knew  we  were  cold  and  hungry  too, 
So  He  begged  us  to  come,  and  be  warmed,  and 
fed, 
But  we  passed,  and  knocked  at  another  door, 
And  they  gave  us  a  stone  when  we  asked  for 
bread ; 
Yet  we  said,  "  No,  Lord  !  we  will  keep  our  sin, 
Though  Thy  door  is  wide,  and  there's  joy  within." 

But  He  waited  still,  though  we  passed  Him  by ; 

And  when  all  false  lights  had  grown  dim  He 
came — 
He  made  us  willing  to  hear  His  voice, 

And  'twas  He  tLat  taught  us  to  love  His  name; 


100         "SORROWING  YET  REJOICING." 


And  He  brings  a  light  that  no  shade  can  dim, 
When  He  dwells  in  us,  and  we  in  Him. 


SORROWING   YET  ALWAYS    REJOICING 

NO  sorrow  is  unmingled  here, 
But  still,  in  every  bitter  cup 
Is  found  the  sweet  ingredient,  hope ; 
Who  deepest  drinks  shall  find  it  there. 

Shall  find  it  when  he  needs  it  most ; 

For  when  the  night  doth  darkest  grow, 

Darkness  above,  all  dark  below, 
And  faith  and  hope  are  all  but  lost, 

How  oft  a  gleam  of  glory  sent 

Straight  through  the  deepest,  darkest  night, 
Has  fil'ed  the  soul  with  heavenly  light, 

With  holy  peace  and  sweet  content ! 

Content  to  wait  the  will  of  God, 
To  cast  on  Him  the  heavy  load, 
To  walk  with  Him  the  weary  road 

With  patience,  leaning  on  the  Lord, 

Content  to  suffer  and  be  still, 

Without  complaining  bear  the  cross, 


"SORROWING  YET  REJOICINGS         101 

Endure  the  pain,  accept  the  los9, 
Of  all  earth's  treasures,  if  God  wilL 


Content  to  learn  by  suffering  long. 
In  darkness  still  to  keep  the  faith  ; 
Still  trusting  what  the  Saviour  saithj 

That  perfect  weakness  may  be  strong. 

Content  to  follow  where  He  trod, 
The  Man  of  griefs  who  came  to  lead, 
Themselves,  like  Him,  all  perfected 

Through  suffering,  many  sons  to  God. 

Yes !  there  was  one,  and  only  one, 

Unmingled  cup  of  bitterness  ; 

But  God,  who  pitied  our  distress, 
Gave  it  to  His  beloved  Son. 

He  drank  it  with  the  bitter  cry, 
u  O  Father  1  if  it  so  may  be, 
I  pray  Thee  let  it  pass  from  Me ; 

Yet  be  it  as  Thou  wilt,  not  L" 

Hadst  thou,  my  soul,  been  there  alone, 
Thou  couid3t  not,  if,  like  Him  oppressed, 
That  cup  had  to  thy  lips  been  pressed, 

Have  said  with  Him,  "Thy  will  be  done !" 


102         "SORROWING  YET  REJOICINGS* 

Yet  from  that  cup  all  sweetness  flows, 
All  joy  of  life,  all  hope  of  heaven, 
All  grace  and  consolation  given 

To  sufferers  in  a  world  of  woes. 


Fes  !  and  to  Him  who  drank  that  cup 
In  meek  submission,  though  untold 
Its  agony ;  who  can  unfold 

Its  sweetness  now,  as  lifted  up 

Far  above  powers  of  Earth  or  Heaven^ 
He  sees  the  fruit  His  anguish  bore ; 
He  sees  the  world  all  dead  before, 

Live  in  the  life  He  thus  hath  given  ? 

And  ever  as  the  ages  glide 

His  tide  of  joy  shall  onward  roll, 
Till  He  the  travail  of  His  soul 

Shall  see,  and  shall  be  satisfied. 

80  every  bitter  cup  of  woe 

Shall  yield  a  blessing  at  the  last. 
And  when  the  bitterness  is  past, 

Willi  living  sweetness  overflow. 


WAITING  FOR  SPRING,  1Q3 


WAITING   FOR  SPRING. 

f  TTAITING  for  Spring  !    The  mother,  watching 
T  T  lonely 

By  her  sick  child  when  all  the  night  is  dumb, 
Hearing  no  sound  save  his  hoarse  breathing  only, 
Saith,  "  He  will  rally  when  the   Spring-days 
come." 

Waiting  for  Spring  1  Ah,  me,  all  nature  tarries 
As  motionless  and  cold  she  lies  asleep, 

Wrapt  in  her  green  pine  robe  that  never  varies, 
Wearing  out  Winter  by  this  southern  deep. 

The  tints  are  too  unbroken  on  the  bosom 
Of  those  great  woods :   we  want  some  light- 
green  shoots ; 

We  want  the  white  and  red  acacia  blossom, 
The  blue  life  hid  in  all  these  russet  roots. 

Waiting  for   Spring !      The  hearts  of   men  are 
watching 

Each  for  some  better,  brighter,  fairer  thing  1 
Each  ear  a  distant  sound  most  sweet  is  catching, 

A  herald  of  the  beauty  of  his  spring. 

Waiting  for  Spring  !  The  nations  in  their  anget 
Or  deadlier  torpor  wrapt,  look  onward,  still 


104  WAITING  FOR  SPRING. 


Feel  a  far  hope  through  all  their  strife  and  languoi, 
And  better  spirits  in  them  throb  and  thrill. 

Waiting  for  Spring  !  Christians  are  waiting  ever, 
Body  and  soul  by  sin  and  pain  bowed  down ; 

Look  for  the  time  when  all  these  clouds  shall  sever, 
See  high  above  the  cross  a  flowery  crown. 

Waiting  for  Spring  1  Poor  hearts !  how  oft  ye 
weary 

Looking  for  better  things,  and  grieving  much  ! 
Earth  lieth  still,  though  all  her  bowers  be  dreary ; 

She  trusts  her  God,  nor  thrills  but  at  His  touch. 

It  must  be  so — the  man,  the  soul,  the  nation, 
The  mother  by  her  child — we  wait,  we  wait, 

Dreaming  out  futures  ;  life  is  expectation, 
A  grub,  a  root  that  holds  our  higher  state. 

Waiting  for  Spring — the  germ  for  its  perfection. 
Earth  tor  all  charms  by  light  and  color  given, 

The  body  for  its  robe  of  resurrection, 
Souls  for  their  Saviour,Christians  for  o  ir  Ifoavea 


WAITING  FOR  CHRIST.  IQfi 


WAITING  FOR   CHRIST, 

YIJE  wait  for  Thee,  all  glorious  One  ! 
T  !       We  look  for  Thine  appeanug , 
We  bear  Thy  name,  and  on  the  throne 
We  see  Thy  presence  cheering. 
Faith  even  now 
Uplifts  its  brow, 
And  sees  the  Lord  descending, 
And  with  Him  bliss  unending. 

We  wait  for  Thee  through  days  forlorn, 

In  patient  self-denial ; 
We  know  that  Thou  our  guilt  hath  borne 
Upon  Thy  cross  of  trial. 
And  well  may  we 
Submit  with  Thee 
To  bear  the  cross  and  love  it, 
Until  Thy  hand  remove  it. 

We  wait  for  Thee  ;  already  Thou 
Hast  all  our  hearts'  submission ; 
And  though  the  spirit  sees  Thee  now 
We  long  i-jr  3pen  vision  ; 
When  ours  shall  be 
Sweet  rest  with  Thee 
And  pure,  unfading  pleasure 
And  life  in  endless  measure. 


|<)6  TRUST  AND  REST 


We  wail  for  Thee  with  certain  hope — 

The  time  will  soon  be  over  ; 
With  childish  longing  we  look  up 
Thy  glory  to  discover. 
O  bliss  !  to  share 
Thy  triunqm  there, 
When  home,  with  joy  and  singing 
The  Lord  his  saints  is  bringing. 


TRUST  AND   REST. 

FRET  not,  poor  soul ;  while  doubt  and  feai 
Disturb  thy  breast, 
The  pitying  angels,  who  can  see 
How  vain  thy  wild  regret  must  be, 
Say,  Trust  and  rest. 

Plan  not,  nor  scheme,  but  calmly  wait ; 

His  choice  is  best ; 
While  blind  and  erring  is  thy  sight, 
His  wisdom  sees  and  judges  right, 

So  trust  and  rest. 

Strive  not,  nor  struggle  ;  thy  poor  might 

Can  never  wrest 
The  meanest  thing  to  serve  thy  will ; 
All  power  is  His  alone ;  be  still, 

And  trust  and  rest. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  GOD  }Q1 


Desire  cot ;  self-love  is  strong 

Within  thy  breast ; 
And  yet  He  loves  thee  better  still, 
So  let  Him  do  His  loving  will, 

And  trust  and  rest. 

What  dost  thou  fear  ?     His  wisdom  reign b 

Supreme,  confessed ; 
His  power  is  infinite  ;  His  love 
Thy  deepest,  fondest  dreams  above, 

So  trust  and  rest. 


THE  HO  USB  OF  GOB. 

O'NCE  slow  and  sad  the  evening  fed 
On  desert  path,  on  lonely  dell, 
As,  sad  and  desolate, 
One  laid  him  down  to  sleep  alone, 
His  couch  the  sand,  his  pillow  stone, 
The  morning-tide  to  wait. 

But  gleamed  before  his  dazzled  s^ght 
A  radiance  more  than  morning  light, 

From  opened  portals  given  ; 
And  on  his  charmed  ear  there  rung 
A  sound  more  sweet  than  matin  song-  - 

The  choral  hymns  of  Heaven, 


1  08  THB  HOUSE  OF  GOD 


He  saw  the  glory  of  that  place, 
Whose  light  is  God  the  Saviour's  face. 

He  saw  its  dwellers  fair ; 
And  leamt  that—  desolate,  alone, 
A  wanderer  from  his  Father's  home^— 

God's  presence  still  was  there. 

So  we  (though  often  worn,  oppressed, 
We  wander,  seeking  home  and  rest) 

In  sorrow's  darkest  hour 
May  see,  as  Jacob  saw  of  old, 
God's  sunbeams  bright  and  manifold 

The  shades  of  night  o'erpower. 

For  not  in  temple  hoar  alone, 

In  cloistered  shade,  'neath  sculptured  stone, 

Stands  now  God's  house  below  ; 
But  whensoever  His  radiance  bright 
Gleams  on  our  darkness  and  'tis  light, 

His  presence  we  may  know. 

Transfigured  in  His  Glory,  fair 

The  whole  earth  stands,  one  house  of  prayar— 

One  ante-room  of  Heaven ; 
For  surely,  though  we  know  it  not, 
God's  presence  is  in  every  spot, 

To  those  who  seek  it  given. 


THE  J UL  GMENT-SEA T.  100 


Then  let  us  strive,  and  work,  and  wait, 
AlS  those  who  see  that  opened  gate — 

That  glory  in  our  night ; 
So  that  at  last,  through  Christ  the  way, 
We,  too,  may  tread  that  land  of  day, 

Where  God,  the  Lord,  is  light. 


THE  CHILD   ON  THE  JUDGMENT-SEAT. 

WHERE  hast  been  toiling  all  day,  sweet-heart, 
That  thy  brow  is  burdened  and  sad  ? 
The  Master's  work  may  make  weary  feet, 
But  it  leaves  the  spirit  glad. 

Was  thy  garden  nipped  with  the  midnight  frost, 
Or  scorched  with  the  mid-day  glare  ? 

Were  thy  vines  laid  low,  or  thy  lilies  crushed, 
That  thy  face  is  so  full  of  care  ? 

"  No  pleasant  garden -toils  were  mine  1 — 

I  have  sate  cm  the  judgment- seat, 
Where  the  Master  sits  at  eve  and  calls 

The  children  around  His  feet." 

How  earnest  thou  on  the  judgment-seat, 

Sweet-heart  ?  Who  set  thee  there  ? 
Tis  a  lonely  and  lofty  seat  for  thee, 

Ami  well  might  fill  thee  with  care. 
10 


HO  THE  JUDGMENT-SEA T. 

u  I  climbed  on  the  judgment-seat  myself 

I  have  sate  there  alone  all  d;iy, 
For  it  gr.eved  me  to  see  the  children  around 

Idling  their  life  away. 

u  They  wasted  the  Master's  precious  seed, 

They  wasted  the  precious  hours ; 
They  trained  not  the  vines,  nor  gathered  the  fruits, 

And  they  trampled  the  sweet,  meek  flowers/' 

And  what  hast  thou  done  on  the  judgmeut-seat, 
Sweet-heart  ?     What  didst  thou  there  ? 

Would  the  idlers  heed  thy  childish  voice  ? 
Did  the  garden  mend  by  thy  care  ? 

44  Nay,  that  grieved  me  more !  I  called  and  I  cried, 

But  they  left  me  there  forlorn  ; 
My  voice  was  weak,  and  they  heeded  not, 

Or  they  laughed  my  words  to  scorn." 

Ah,  the  judgment-seat  was  not  for  thee  I 

The  servants  were  not  thine  1 
And  the  eyes  which  adjudge  the  praise  and  fcha 
blame, 

See  further  than  thine  or  mine. 

The  Voice  that  shall  sound  there  at  eve,  sweet 
heart, 
Will  not  raise  its  tones  to  be  heard, 


TEE  JUDGMENT-SEAT.  k  \  ] 


ft  will  hush  the  earth,  and  hush  the  hearts, 
And  none  will  resist  its  word. 

*  Should  I  see  the  Master's  treasures  lost, 
The  stores  that  should  feed  His  poor, 

Ajid  not  lift  my  voice,  be  it  weak  as  it  may, 
And  not  be  grieved  sore  ?" 

Wait  till  the  evening  falls,  sweet  heart, 

Wait  till  the  evening  falls  ; 
The  Master  is  near  and  knoweth  all, 

Wait  till  the  Master  calls. 

But  how  fared  thy  garden-plot,  sweet  heart, 
Whilst  thou  sat'st  on  the  judgment-seat ; 

Who  watered  thy  roses  and  trained  thy  vines, 
And  kept  them  from  careless  feet  ? 

"  Nay,  that  is  saddest  of  all  to  me ! 

That  is  sad  lest  of  all ! 
My  vines  are  trailing,  my  roses  are  parched* 

My  lilies  droop  and  fall." 

Go  back  to  Ihy  garden-plot,  sweet  heart ! 

Go  back  till  the  evening  falls  1 
And  bind  thy  lilies,  and  train  thy  via 2*, 

Till  for  thee  the  Master  calls. 


112      NOW  I  LAY  ME  DOWN  TO  SLEEP 

Go  make  thy  garden  fair  as  thou  canst, 

Thou  workest  never  alone, 
Perchance  he  whose  plot  is  next  to  thine 

Will  see  it,  and  mend  his  own. 

And  the  next  may  copy  his,  sweet  heart, 

Till  all  grows  fair  and  sweet, 
And  when  the  Master  comes  at  eve, 

Happy  faces  His  coming  will  greet. 

Then  shall  thy  joy  be  fall,  sweet  heart, 

In  the  garden  so  fair  to  see, 
£n  the  Masters  words  of  praise  for  all, 

In  a  look  of  His  own  for  thee  ! 


NOW  1  LAY  ME  DOWN  TO  SLEEP 

IN  the  quiet  nursery  chamoers, 
Snowy  pillows  yet  unpressed, 
See  the  forms  of  little  children 

Kneeling,  white-robed,  for  their  rest, 
Al.  m  quiet  nursery  chambers, 

While  the  dusky  shadows  creep. 
Hear  the  voices  of  the  children — 
;  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep." 


NOW  1  LAY  ME  DO  WN  TO  SLEEP.        \\  3 

In  the  meadow  and  the  mountain 

Calmly  shine  the  winter  stare, 
But  across  the  glistening  lowlands 

Slants  the  moonlight's  silver  bars 
In  the  silence  and  the  darkness, 

Darkness  growing  still  more  deep, 
Listen  to  the  little  children 

Praying  God  their  souls  to  keep. 

"  If  we  die  " — so  pray  the  children, 

And  the  mother's  head  drops  low  ; 
(One  from  out  her  fold  is  sleeping 

Deep  beneath  the  winter's  snow) ; 
"  Take  our  souls :"  and  past  the  casement 

Flits  a  gleam  of  crystal  light, 
Like  the  trailing  of  his  garments, 

Walking  evermore  in  white. 

Little  souls  that  stand  expectant, 

Listen  at  the  gates  of  life ; 
Hearing,  faraway,  the  murmur 

Of  the  turn  ult  and  the  strife  : 
We,  who  right  beneath  those  banners, 

Meeting  ranks  of  foemen  there, 
Find  a  deeper,  broader  meaning 

In  your  simple  vesper  prayer. 

When  your  hands  shall  grasp  this  standard, 
Which  to-day  you  watch  from  far, 
10* 


114  THE  LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD, 


Whtn  your  deeds  shall  shape  the  conflict 

In  this  universal  war, 
Pray  to  Him,  the  God  of  battles, 

Whose  strong  eye  can  never  sleep, 
In  the  warring  of  temptation, 

Finn  and  true  your  souls  to  keep. 

When  the  combat  ends,  and  slowly 

Clears  the  smoke  from  out  the  skies, 
Then,  far  down  the  purple  distance, 

All  the  noise  of  battle  dies. 
When  the  last  night's  solemn  shadows 

Settle  down  on  you  and  me, 
May  the  love  that  never  faileth 

Take  our  souls  eternally. 


L 

THE    LIGHT    OF    THE    WORLD. 

PAINTED  BY  HOLMAN  HUNT. 

IN  the  moonlight,  when  no  murmur  from  the 
haunts  of  men  is  heard, 
And  the  river  in  its  sleep  flows  onward,  en  ward 

to  the  sea, 
And  thou  sleepest,  who  art  drawiag  nearer  to 

Eternity, 
In  the  silence  and  the  stillness  comes  the  Word. 


THE  LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD,  115 


And  He  knocketh  at  thy  portal,  but  thou  dream- 

esfc  in  the  night 
That  the  flitting  bat  is  only  striking  softly  'gainst 

the  door ; 
Shall  He  knock  so  oft  who  cometh  from  the  Heav 

en's  eternal  shore  ? 
Sleeper  in  the  darkness,  rise,  behold  thy  Light  I 

,rTis  thy  Priest  and  Prophet,  clad  in  jewelled  robe 
white  attire  ; 

*Tis  thy  King,  and  on  His  brow  He  wears  the 
thorny  coronal, 

Budding  now  with  amaranthine  leaves  and  flow- 
ers ambrosial, 

In  His  face  is  speaking  pity,  silent  ire. 

For  His  glowing  lamp  discloseth  choking  up  thy 

dwelling  door, 
Deadly  hemlock )  barren  darnel,  prickly  bramble, 

withered  grasses, 
And  the  ivy  knits  it  closely  to  its  stanchions  and 


Through  the  crevice3,  and  hinges,  and  the  floor. 

Let  Him  in  !  for  He  will  sojourn  with  the  lowest 

and  the  least, 
And  forget  that  thou  didst  keep  Him  waiting  in 

the  dews  t»nd  damp, 


1 16  1HF  LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD. 

And  for  guerdon  in  the  valley  He  will  light  thee 

witn  His  lamp 
To  the  happy  Shore  Eternal   and  the  Marriage 

Feast. 


n. 
THE  LIGHT  OF  THE    WORLD. 

JOED,  Thou  hast  sought  this  wayward  heart  in 
J         vain ; 
Choked  by  the  world's  vile  weeds  its  portals 

stand, 
Closed  to  the  touch  of  Thy  redeeming  Hand, 

Which,  knocking  gently,  would  an  entrance  gain ; 

Oh,  Love  unspeakable  !  that  Thou  shouldst  be 
Patient  amidst  the  night's  chill  falling  dews, 
While  I  Thy  proffered  fellowship  refuse, 

Slothful  to  rise  and  ope  the  door  to  Thee  ! 

Long  have  I  tanied,  dreading  yet  to  bear 

The  emblems  of  Thy  suffering,  thorns  and  cross 
Lost  in  idolatry  of  Mammon's  dross, 

And  lured  by  pleasure's  transitory  glare  ; 

Henceforth  vouchsafe  to  shed  Thy  light  within 
Illume  my  soul,  and  let  these  contrite  tears 
Blot  ouf,  all  record  of  my  mis-spent  years, 

Dark  with  the  sad  remembrances  of  sin ; 

Then,  in  this  purified,  repentant  breast, 

Enter,  and  be  for  evermore  my  Guest ! 


H' 


HE  LEADS  US  ON.  \\) 


HE    LEAhS    US    OK. 

\  E  leads  us  on, 
By  paths  we  did  not  know, 
Upward  He  leads  us,  though  our  steps  be  slow, 
Though  oft  we  faint  and  falter  on  the  way, 
Though  storms  and  darkness  oft  obscure  the  day, 
Yet  when  the  clouds  are  gone 
We  know  He  leads  us  on. 

He  leads  us  on 
Through  all  the  unquiet  years  ; 
Past  all  our  dreamland  hopes,  and  doubts,  and 

fears 
He  guides  our  steps.    Through  all  the  tangled 

maze 
Of  sin,  of  sorrow,  and  o'erclouded  days 

We  know  His  will  is  done ; 

And  still  He  leads  us  on. 

And  He,  at  last, 

After  the  weary  strife — 

After  the  restless  fever  we  call  life — 

After  the  dreariness,  the  aching  pain, 

The  wayward  struggles  which  have  proved  in  vain, 
After  our  toils  are  past- 
Will  gi  re  us  rest  at  last 


U8    HOLY  OhOST  DISPEL  OUR  SADNESS. 


HOLY  GHOST  DISPEL    OUR  SADNESS 

HOLY  GHOST,  dispel  our  sadness, 
Pierce  the  clouds  of  sinful  night ; 
Come.  Thou  source  of  sweetest  gladness, 

Breathe  Thy  Life,  and  spread  Thy  Light 
Loving  Spirit,  God  of  Peace  1 
Great  Distributor  of  grace  1 
Rest  upon  this  congregation, 
Hear,  O  hear  our  supplication  I 

From  that  height  which  knows  no  measure. 

As  a  gracious  shower  descend 
Bringing  down  the  richest  treasure 

Men  can  wish,  or  God  can  send ! 
O  Thou  Glory,  shining  down 
From  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

Grant  us  Thy  illumination  ! 

Rest  upon  this  congregation  I 

Known  to  Thee  are  all  recesses 
Of  the  earth  and  spreading  skies  < 

Every  sand  the  shore  possesses 
Thy  Omniscient  Mind  descries. 

Holy  Fountain  !  wash  u^  clean 

Both  from  error  and  from  sin  I 
Make  us  fly  what  Thou  refusest, 
And  delight  in  what  Thou  ohooFCflt ! 


ON  AFFLICTION.  \  \  & 


Manifest  Thy  love  forever ; 

Fence  us  in  on  every  side ; 
In  distress  be  our  Reliever, 

Guard  and  teach,  support  and  guide ! 
Let  Thy  kind  effectual  grace 
Turn  our  feet  from  evil  ways ; 

Show  Thyself  our  new  Creator, 

And  conform  us  to  Thy  nature  1 

Be  our  Friend  on  each  occasion, 

God  !  omnipotent  to  save  1 
When  we  die,  be  our  salvation  ; 

When  we're  buried,  be  our  grave  1 
And,  when  from  the  grave  we  rise, 
Take  us  up  above  the  skies, 

Seat  us  with  thy  saints  in  glory, 

There  forever  to  adore  Thee  ! 


ON    AFFLICTION 

AS  the  harp-strings  only  render 
AH  their  treasures  of  sweet  sound' 
All  their  music,  glad  or  tender — 
Firmly  struck  and  tightly  bound : 

So  the  hearts  of  Christians  owe 
Each  its  deepest,  sweetest  strain, 


120  masT 

To  the  pressure  firm  of  woe, 
And  the  tension  tight  of  pain 

Spices  crushed  theii  pungence  yield  ; 

Trodden  scents  their  sweets  respire ; 
Would  you  have  its  strength  revealed, 

Cast  the  incense  in  the  fire  : 

Thus  the  crushed  and  broken  frame 
Oft  doth  sweetest  graces  yield ; 

And  through  suffering,  toil,  and  shama. 

From  the  martyr's  keenest  flame, 
Heavenly  incense  is  distilled. 


T  R  U  S  T. 

THE  child  leans  on  its  parent's  biea»t> 
Leaves  there  its  cares,  and  is  at  rest 
The  bird  sits  singing  by  its  nest, 

And  tells  aloud 
His  trust  in  God,  and  so  is  blest 
'Neath  every  cloud. 

He  hath  no  store,  he  sows  no  seed, 
Yet  sings  aloud,  and  doth  not  need  ; 
By  flowing  streams  or  grassy  mead, 

He  sings  to  shame 
Men,  who  forget,  in  fear  of  need, 

A  Father's  name. 


SUBMISSION.  }21 


The  heart  that  trusts  forever  sings, 
And  feels  as  light  as  it  had  wings ; 
A  veil  of  peace  within  it  springs; 

Come  good  or  ill, 
Whatever  to-day,  to-morrow  brings, 

It  is  His  will  I 


SUBMISSION 

SINCE  thy  Father's  arm  sustains  thee. 
Peaceful  be ; 
When  a  chastening  hand  restrains  thee, 

It  is  He ! 
Know  His  love  in  full  completeness, 
Feel  the  measure  of  thy  weakness ; 
If  He  wound  thy  spirit  sore, 

Trust  Him  more, 


Without  murmur,  uncomplaining, 
In  His  hand 
Leave  whatever  things  thou  canst  not 

Understand ; 
Though  the  world  thy  folly  spurneth, 
From  thy  faith  in  pity  turneth, 
Peace  thy  inmost  soul  shall  fill. 

Lying  still. 
11 


122  SUBMISSIO* 

Like  an  infant,  if  thou  thinkest 

Thou  canst  stand, 
Childlike,  proudly  pushing  back 

The  proffered  hand ; 
Courage  soon  is  changed  to  fear, 
Strength  doth  feebleness  appear ; 
In  His  love  if  thou  abide, 

He  will  guide. 

Fearest  sometimes  that  thy  Father 
Hath  forgot  ? 

Though  the  clouds  around  thee  gather^ 
Doubt  Him  not  1 

Always  hath  the  daylight  broken, 

Always  hath  He  comfort  spoken ; 

Better  hath  He  been  for  years 

Than  thy  fears. 

Therefore,  whatsoe'er  betideth, 
Night  or  day, 

Know  His  love  for  thee  provideth 
Good  alway : 

Crown  of  sorrows  gladly  take, 

Grateful  wear  it,  for  His  sake  ; 

Sweetly  bending  to  His  will, 
Lying  still. 

To  His  own  thy  Saviour  giveth 
Daily  strength 


IS  THIS  ALL t  123 


To  each  troubled  soul  that  liveth 
Peace  at  length : 

Weakest  lambs  have  largest  share 

Of  the  teuder  Shepherd's  care ; 

Ask  Him  not,  then,  "  When  ?"  or  "  How  V 
Only  bow  f 


IS     THIS    ALU 

OOMETIMES  I  catch  sweet  glimpses  of  His  face, 

But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  He  looks  on  me  and  seems  to  smiie% 

But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  he  speaks  a  passing  word  of  peace, 

But  that  is  all. 
Sometimes  IthinJc  I  hear  His  loving  voice 

Upon  me  call. 


And  is  this  all  He  meant  when  thus  He  spoke 

"  Come  unto  me  ?" 
Ib  there  no  deeper,  more  enduring  rest, 

In  Him  for  thee  ? 
Is  there  no  Bteadier  light  for  thee  in  Him  t 

Oh.  come  and  see  ! 


124  IS  THIS  ALL  f 


Oh,  come  and  see !  oh,  look,  and  look  again  ! 

All  shall  be  right ; 
Oh,  taste  His  love,  and  see  that  it  is  good, 

Thou  child  of  night. 
Oh,  trust  Him,  trust  Him  in  his  grace  and  power^ 

Then  all  is  bright ! 

Nay,  do  not  wrong  Him  by  thy  heavy  thoughts, 

But  love  His  love  I 
Do  thou  full  justice  to  His  tenderness, 

His  mercy  prove ; 
Take  Him  for  what  He  is ;  oh,  take  Him  all, 

And  look  above  I 

Then  shall  thy  tossing  soul  find  anchorage 

And  steadfast  peace ; 
Thy  love  shall  rest  on  His ;  thy  weary  doubts 

Forever  cease. 
Thy  heart  shall  find  in  Him,  and  in  His  grace, 

Its  rest  and  bliss. 

Christ  and  Hi3  love  shall  be  thy  blessed  all 

For  evermore  1 
Christ  and  His  light  shall  shine  on  all  thy  wayB 

For  evermore ! 
Chn'at  and  His  peace  shall  keep  thy  troubled  sou] 

For  evermore  1 


OPEN  THOU  OUR  EYEx  I2fi 


OPEN  THOU  OUR  EYES. 

\KD  He  drew  near  and  talked  with  them. 
But  they  perceived  Him  not ; 
And  mourned,  unconscious  of  that  light — 
The  gloom,  the  darkness,  and  the  night, 
That  wrapt  His  burial  spot. 

Wearied  with  doubt,  perplexed  and  sact 
They  knew  nor  help,  nor  guide, 

While  He  who  bore  the  secret  key 

To  open  every  mystery, 

Unknown  was  by  their  side. 

Thus  often  when  we  feel  alone, 

No  help  nor  comfort  near, 
Tis  only  that  our  eyes  are  dim  ; 
Doubting  and  sad,  we  see  not  Him 

Who  waiteth  still  to  hear. 

u  The  darkness  gathers  overhead, 

The  morn  will  never  come  P1 
Did  we  but  raise  our  downcast  eyx,, 
In  the  wide -flushing  eastern  skies 

Appears  the  glowing  sun. 

In  all  our  daily  joys  and  griefs 
In  daily  work  and  rest, 
11* 


126  SHADOWS  OF  THE  PAST. 

To  those  who  seek  Him,  Christ  is  near, 
Our  bliss  to  calm,  to  soothe  our  care, 
In  leaning  on  our  breast. 

Open  our  eyes,  O  Lord,  we  pray, 

To  see  our  way,  our  Guide ; 
That  by  the  path  that  here  we  tread, 
We,  following  on,  may  still  be  led 
In  Thy  light  to  abide. 


SHADOWS   OF  THE  PAS7 

LORD,while  the  shadows  of  the  past  surveying- 
And  they  are  many  since  life's  early  morn : 
Life's  shadowy  days  have  had  a  long  delaying, 
It  matters  not,  since  they  are  past  and  gone — 
Are  past  and  gone. 

£  find  my  steps  are  upward  slowly  tending, 
That  falls  the  glory  of  thy  smile  upon 

The  golden  frights  of  steps  to  heaven  ascending, 
And  I  am  journeying  slowly  toward  the  dawn— 
Toward  the  dawn. 

I  find  my  future  m  this  world  of  sorrows 
Answers  my  prayers,  and  golden  visions  ope 

Of  providences  in  the  bright  to-morrows, 
Fulfilling  prayer ;  this  is  my  only  hope — 
My  only  hope. 


A  PRAYER  FOR  YOU.  127 


This  pleasing  hope  my  weary  heart  inspires, 
For  I  have  prayed,  and  in  Thy  Word  'tis  writ, 

That  they  who  to  give  Thee  their  warm  desires, 
Shall  walk  the  ways  that  they  to  Thee  commit- 
To  Thee  commit. 


A    PRAYER    FOR    YOU. 

I  HA  YE  a  Saviour — He's  pleading  in  glory — 
So  precious,  though  earthly  enjoyments  be  few; 
And  now  He's  watching  in  tenderness  o'er  me ; 
But,  oh,  that  my  Saviour  was  your  Saviour  too  ! 
For  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  for  you  I 

I  have  a  Father — to  me  He  has  given 
A  hope  for  eternity,  precious  and  true ; 

And  soon  will  my  spirit  be  with  Him  in  heaven ; 
But,  oh,  that  He'd  let  me  bring  you  with  me  too  ! 
For  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  for  you  I 

I  have  a  Crown,  and  I'll  wear  it  forever, 
Encircled  with  jewels  of  heavenly  hue  ; 

Twas  purchased  by  Jesus,  my  glorified  Saviour; 
But,  oh,  could  I  know  one  was  purchased  foi 

you! 
For  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  tor  you  ! 

I  have  a  Robe — 'tis  resplendent  in  whiteness — 

Awaiting  in  glory  my  wondering  view ; 
Oh,  when  I'll  receive  it.  all  shining  in  brightness, 


128  *  PRAYER  FOR  TOU. 


Dear  friend,  could  I  see  you  receiving  one  too ! 
Foi  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  for  you  ! 

t  have  a  Rest — and  the  earnest  is  given — 
Though  now,  for  a  time,  'tis  ccncealed  fircm  inj 
view; 
This  life  everlasting,  'tis  Jesus,  'tis  heaven ; 
And,  oh,  dearest  friend,  let  me  meet  you  there 

too! 
For  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  for  you ! 

I  have  a  Peace,  and  it's  calm  as  a  river — 
A  peace  that  the  friend  of  the  world  never 
knew; 

My  Saviour  alone  is  its  Author  and  Giver ; 
But,  oh,  could  I  know  it  was  given  to  you ! 
For  you  I  am  praying — I'm  praying  for  you ! 

For  you  I  am  praying — for  you  I  am  praying  ! 
For  you  I  am  praying— for  you,  yes,  for  you  i 

And  soon  shall  I  hear  you  rejoicing  and  saying : 
"  Your  dear,  loving  Saviour  is  my  Saviour  too  I" 
And  prayer  will  be  answered  for  you — yes,  for 
you  I 

Ana  when  He  has  found  you,  tell  others  the  story, 

How  Jesus  extended  His  mercy  to  you ; 
rhen  point  them  away  to  the  regions  of  glory, 


HEAR  MY  CRY/  129 

And  pray  that  your  Saviour  may  bring  them 

there  too  ! 
For  prayer  will  be  answered — 'twas  answered 

for  you  1 

Oh,  speak  of  that  Saviour,  that  Father  in  heaven , 

That  Harp,  Crown,  arid  Robe  which  are  waiting 

for  you  1 

That  Peace  you  possess,  and  that  Rest  to  be  given  ! 

Still  praying  that  Jesus  may  save  them  like  you ; 

And  prayer  will  be  answered — 'twas  answered 

for  vou  1 


REAR    MY    CRY/ 

0  STRONG  to  save  and  bless, 
My  rock  and  righteousness 
Draw  near  to  me  ! 
Blessing,  and  joy,  and  might, 
Wisdom,  and  love,  and  light 
Are  all  with  Thee  ! 

My  refuge  and  my  rest, 

As  child  on  mother's  breast, 

I  lean  on  Thee  ! 
From  faintness  and  from  fear 
When  foes  and  ill  are  near, 

Deliver  me  ! 


180  HEAR  Ml  CRY! 

Turn  not  away  Thy  face, 
Withhold  not  needed  grace, 

My  fortress  be ! 
Perils  are  round  and  round 
Iniquities  abound — 

See,  Saviour,  see ! 

Come,  God  and  Saviour,  come  l 
I  can  no  more  be  dumb  ; 

Appeal  I  must 
To  Thee,  the  Gracious  One, 
Else  is  my  hope  all  gone, 

I  sink  in  dust  I 

Oh,  answer  me,  my  Gou, 
Thy  love  is  deep  and  broad, 

Thy  grace  is  true  ! 
Thousands  this  grace  have  shared, 
Oh,  let  me  now  be  heard, 

Oh,  love  me  too  ! 

Descend  Thou  mighty  love, 
Descend  from  heaven  above, 

Fill  Thou  this  soul  I 
Heal  every  bruised  part, 
Bind  up  this  broken  heart, 

And  make  me  whole. 


FRUITLESS  TOIL.  131 


Tis  knowing  Thee  that  heals ; 
'Tis  seeing  Thee  that  seals 

Comfort  and  peace  I 
Show  me  Thy  cross  and  blood, 
My  Saviour  and  my  God, 

Ther.  troubles  cease. 


FRUITLESS    TOIL. 

U  T  ORD,  I  have  toiled  all  night, 
JJ  And  still  unbless'd  my  hand ; 
Yet  I  will  launch  into  the  deep 
Once  more  at  Thy  command. 

11 1  hear  triumphant  songs 

Swell  from  the  banks  around, 
Each  answering  each  with  joyful  cry 
But  I  no  spoil  have  found. 

5  Fruitless  is  all  my  toil. 

Through  long  night-watches  past, 
My  heart  is  sick  with  hope  deferred ; 
But  Thou  art  come  at  last." 

The  fisher's  hands  hung  down  ; 

Dull  was  his  heart,  and  faint, 
When  a  heavenly  voice  the  silence  broke, 

And  answered  his  complaint. 


132  FRUITLESS  TOIL. 

"  When  have  I  left  thee,  son, 

That  thou  shouldst  droop  with  fear  f 
When  hast  thou  sought  my  sympathy 
And  hast  not  found  Me  near  \ 

"  Not  fruitless  is  thy  toil, 

If  thou  my  cross  wouldst  bear  • 
I  do  but  ask  thy  willing  heart 
To  grave  my  image  there. 

"  For  each  net  vainly  cast 

Stronger  thine  arm  will  prove  ; 
The  trial  of  thy  patient  hope 
Is  witness  of  Thy  love. 

u  The  time,  the  place,  the  way 
Are  open  to  mine  eye ; 
I  sent  thee  —not  to  gather  spoil- 
To  labor  patiently. 

st  My  son  1  was  not  thy  cry, 
4  Increase  my  faith,  O  Lord  ! 
More  of  Thyself,  and  more  like  Thoe 
Behold,  thy  prayer  is  heard. 

*  Oh,  trust  Me  with  thy  crown, 

'Tis  hidden  safe  with  Me ; 

A  little  while,  and  where  I  am, 

There  shall  my  servant  be. 


THE  TWO  WORLDS.  133 

*  Bright  seems  thy  brother's  lot ; 
But,  child,  is  thine  so  dim  ? 
The  King,  thy  Friend,  hath  asked  of  thee 
To  watch  one  hour  with  Him  1" 


THE    TWO    WORLDS. 

TWO  worlds  there  are.    To  one  our  eyes  we  strain, 
Whose  magic  joys  we  shall  not  see  again ; 
Bright  haze  of  morning  veils  its  glimmering 
shore ; 
Ah,  truly  breathed  we  there 
Intoxicating  ah  - 
Glad  were  our  hearts  in  that  sweet  realm  of 
Nevermore. 

The  lover  there  drank  her  delicious  breath, 
Whose  love  has  yielded  since  to  change  or  deatn  $ 
The  mother  kissed  her  child  whose  days  are  o'er 
Alas  !  too  soon  have  fled 
The  irreclaimable  dead : 
We  see  them — visions  strange — amid  the 
Nevermore. 

The  merry  song  some  maiden  used  to  sing — 
The  brown,  brown  hail  thai  once  was  wont  to 
cling 
12 


184  THE  TWO   WORLDS. 

To  kmples  long  clay-cold :  to  the  very  core 

They  strike  our  weary  hearts, 
As  some  vexed  memory  starts 
From  that  long  faded  land — the  realm  of 
Nevermore. 

ft  is  perpetual  summer  there.    But  here 
Badly  we  may  remember  rivers  clear, 
And  harebells  quivering  on  the  meadow-floor, 
For  brighter  bells  and  bluer, 
For  tenderer  hearts  and  truer, 
People  that  happy  land — the  realm  of 
Nevermore. 

Upon  the  frontier  of  this  shadowy  land 
We  pilgrims  of  eternal  sorrow  stand : 
What  realm  lies  forward,  with  its  happiei  store 
Of  forests  green  and  deep, 
Of  valleys  hushed  in  sleep. 
And  lakes  most  peaceful  ?    'Tis  the  land  of 
Evermore. 

Very  far  off  its  marble  cities  seem — 
Very  far  off — beyond  our  scnpual  dream — 
Its  woods,  unruffled  by  the  wild  winds'*  roar  : 
Yet  docs  the  turbulent  surge 
Howl  on  its  very  verge. 
One  moment — and  we  breathe  within  the 
Evermore. 


TEE  TWO  ANGELS.  13fl 


They  whom  we  loved  and  lost  so  long  ago, 
Dwell  in  those  cities,  far  from  mortal  woe- 
Haunt  those  fresh  woodlands,  whence   sweet 
carol  ings  soar. 
Eternal  peace  have  they  : 
God  wipes  their  tears  away : 
They  drink  that  river  of  life  which  flows  for 
Evermore. 

Thither  we  hasten  through  these  regions  dim, 
But  lo  !  the  white  wings  of  the  Seraphim 
Shine  in  the  sunset !     On  that  joyous  shore 
Our  lightened  hearts  shall  know 
The  life  of  long  ago : 
The  sorrow-burdened  past  shall  fade  for 
Evermore 


THE    'i  \TO  ANGELb. 

TWO  angels,  one  of  Life  and  one  of  Deatn, 
Passed  o'er  our  village  as  the  morning  broke ; 
The  dawn  was  on  their  faces,  and  beneath 
The  sombre  houses  hearsed  with  plumes   of 
smoke. 

Their  attitude  and  aspect  were  the  same ; 
Alike  their  features,  and  their  robes  of  white ; 


136  TEE  TWO  ANQBLS. 

But  one  was  crowned  with  amaranth,  as  with 
flame, 
And  one  with  asphodels,  like  flakes  of  light. 

I  saw  them  pause  on  their  celestial  way  ; 

Then  said  I,  with  deep  fear  and  doubt  oppressed, 
"  Beat  not  so  loud,  my  heart,  lest  thou  betray 

The  place  where  thy  beloved  are  at  rest  1" 

And  he  who  wore  the  crown  of  asphodels, 
Descending  at  my  door,  began  to  knock ; 

And  my  soul  sank  within  me,  as  in  wells 
The  waters  sink  before  an  earthquake's  shock. 

I  recognized  the  nameless  agony, 
The  terror,  and  the  tremor,  and  the  pain, 

That  oft  before  had  filled  or  haunted  me, 
And  now  returned  with  threefold  strength  agam. 

The  door  I  opened  to  my  heavenly  guest, 
And  listened,  for  I  thought  I  heard  God's  voice ; 

And,  knowing  whatsoe'r  He  sent  was  best, 
Dared  neither  to  lament  nor  to  rejoice. 

Then  with  &  smile,  that  filled  the  house  wjih  light, 
"  My  errand  is  not  Death,  but  Life,"  he  said  ; 

And,  ere  I  answered,  passing  out  of  sight, 
<>n  his  celestial  embassy  he  sped 


IS  THERE  NO  BALM  IN  GILEADt        \^ 


Twas  at  thy  door,  0  friend  !  and  not  at  mine 
The  angel  with  the  amaranthine  wreath, 

Pausing,  descended,  and  with  voice  divine, 
Whispered  a  word  that  had  a  soui*d  like  Death, 

Then  fell  upon  the  house  a  sudden  gloom, 
A  shadow  on  those  features  fair  and  thin ; 

And  softly  from  that  hushed  and  darkened  room 
Two  angels  issued,  where  but  one  went  in. 

All  is  of  God  !  If  He  but  wave  His  hand, 
The  mists  collect,  the  rain  falls  thick  and  loml, 

Till,  with  a  smile  of  light  on  sea  and  land, 
Lo  !  He  looks  back  from  the  departing  cloucL 

Angels  of  life  and  death  alike  are  His  ; 

Without  His  leave  they  pass  no  threshold  o'er 
Who,  then,  would  wish  or  dare,  believing  this, 

Against  His  messengers  to  shut  the  door  ? 


IS   THERE  NO  BALM  IN  GILEADf 

IS  there  no  balm  in  Gilead,  then  ?  is  there  no 
Healer  nigh  ? 
No  freshening  spring  to  cheer  the  waste  so  deso- 
late and  dry  ? 
Elath  Hope's  dear  vision  vanished  forever  fron> 
chy  sight, 
12* 


138        IS  THERE  NO  BALM  IS  GILEADt 


And  darkness  fallen  around  thee,  the  very  gloom 

of  night  ? 
And  seems  thy  soul  forsaken,  her  every  blessing 

flown  « 
No  soothing  for  her  sorrow,  and  nowhere  to  make 

her  moan  ? 
Yet  stay ;   the  cross  thou  bearest  thus  hath  first 

been  borne  for  thee, 
Jesus  Himself  did  hang  thereon,  thy  life  and  cure 

to  be. 

For  thine  own  ease  He  bare  it  all, — the  scourge 

and  piercing  thorn, 
The  nailing  and  the  bruising,  the  denial,  shame, 

and  scorn  ; 
Darkness  and  desolation  deep,  and  pangs  beyond 

thy  thought, 
And  all  for  thy  souPs  healing  these  sad  agonies 

were  wrought. 
Upon  His  Cross  He  yearned  for  thee,  for  thee  Hia 

heartstrings  brake ; 
Himself  of  all  forsaken,  He  could  not  thee  forsake  $ 
Then  evermore,  when  chastenings  sore  thine  inmost 

spirit  wring, 
Bay,  My  Belov'd  is  crucified,  and  I  to  Him  will  cling. 

How  shall  I  sing  Thy  holy  love,  dear  Passion  of 

my  Lord  ? 
Or  how  Thy  mystic  virtue  shall  I  worthily  record  ? 


IS  THERE  NO  JALM  IN  31L&ADT        1S9 

rhou  art  tlie  spring  of  all  our  hope,  the  balsam 

of  our  woes, 
The  solace  of  our  yearnings,  and  the  bower  of 

our  repose, 
True  Paradise  of  all  delights,  since  joy  of  grief 

is  bom  ; 
For,  as  the  flowers  but  close  at  night  to  ope  more 

fresh  with  morn, 
So  He  who  wept  and  bled  for  us,  and  bowed  in 

earthly  gloom, 
Now  makes  those  sorrows  our  bright  bliss,  those 

wounds  our  joyous  home. 

Here  is  a  coyert  from  the  storm,  when  winds  and 

waves  arise, 
A  shadow  in  the  scorching  noon,  a  light  in  star- 
less skies ; 
A  staff  upon  the  rugged  road,  a  shield  when  foes 

assail, 
A  charm  Divine,  against  whose  might  no  evil  can 

prevail ; 
For  where  the  Cross  of  Jesus  is,  is  peace,  and 

there  alone. 
And  'neath  that  banner  of  His  love  He  guthereth 

His  own; 
And  those  who  will  be  Christ's  must  not  e'er 

grudge  their  portion  small, 
Who   in   His  bitter  chalice,  once,  and  for  thee, 

drained  it  all. 


140        18  THERE  NO  BaLjI  IN  QILEADt 


Thou  know'st  He  went  not  up  to  joy,  but  first 

He  suffered  pain, 
And  all  the  self-same  path  must  tread  who  thus 

His  bliss  would  gain  : 
Is  aught  too  wearisome  or  hard  for  Jesas'  sake  to 

bear? 
While  He  is  crowned  with  thorns  wilt  thou  a 

crown  of  roses  wear  ? 
Lo  1  this  good  Cross  He  offers  thee ;  it  is  thy  very 

life; 
Anoint  with  holy  unction,  it  will  aid  thee  in  the 

strife  ; 
'Tis  hallowed  by  thy  Saviour's  touch,  who  hung 

on  it  for  thee, 
And  Love's  sweet  night  shall  make  it  light,  and 

win  the  victory. 

Draw  near,  thou  reft  and  drooping  heart,  draw 
near  and  lift  thy  gaze 

To  Him  who  yearns  with  outstretched  arms  thee 
from  thy  grief  to  raise  ; 

Draw  near,  and,  clinging  close  beneath  thy  Sa- 
viour's bleeding  heart, 

Tell  o'er  each  throb  of  that  deep  woe  in  whiub 
thou  hast  a  part ; 

Tell  o'er  each  drop  of  dear  iife-blood  which  cbbe 
for  thee  so  fast, 

And  all  thy  weary  heart-aching  upon  that  true 
love  cast  • 


OHBiSTS  CALL  TO  THE  SOUL.  14} 

In  Jesus'  Cross  and  Passion  is  the  medicine  of  thy 

soul, 
Yea,  there  is  balm  in  Gilead,  and  a  Healer  to  make 

thee  whole. 


CHRIST'S   CALL    TO  THE  SOUL. 

FAIR  soul,  created  in  the  primal  hour, 
Once  pure  and  grand, 
And  for  whose  sake  I  left  My  throne  and  power 

At  God's  right  hand ; 
By  this  sad  heart  pierced  through  because  I  loved 

thee; 
Let  love  and  mercy  to  contrition  move  thee. 

Cast  off  the  sins  thy  holy  beauty  veiling, 

Spirit  divine ! 
Vain  against  thee  the  hosts  of  hell  assailing, 

My  strength  is  thine  ! 
Drink  from  My  side  the  cup  of  life  immortal, 
And  love  shall  lead  the  path  to  heaven's  portaL 

I  for  thy  sake  was  pierced  with  many  sorrows, 

And  bore  the  cross, 
Yet  heeded  not  the  galling  of  the  arrows, 

The  shame  and  loss. 
Bo  faint  not,  then,  whate'er  the  burden  be. 
But  bear  it  bravely,  even  to  Calvary. 


142  THEIR  NAMES. 


THEIR    NAMES, 

SWEET  thought,  my  God  !  that  on  the  palms 
Of  Thy  most  holy  hands 
Are  graven  all  Thy  peoples'  names, 
Though  countless  as  the  sands. 

Not  one  too  mean  to  have  his  place 

Amid  that  record  blest, 
And  if  but  there  our  names  are  found, 

We'll  share  the  heavenly  rest. 

How  can  we  then  yield  to  distrust, 

Or  think  we  are  forgot, 
While  ever  thus  the  care  of  One 

Who  loves  and  changes  not  ? 


TWO 

TWO  buds  plucked  from  the  tree, 
Two  birdies  flown  from  the  nest, 
Two  little  darlings  snatched 

From  a  fond  mother's  breast. 
Two  little  snow-white  lambs 

Gone  from  the  sheltering  fold. 
Two  little  narrow  graves 

Down  in  the  graveyard  cold. 


«  THY  SHIELD  AND  BUCKLER."         H3 

Two  little  drooping  flowers 

Growing  in  purer  air, 
Blooming  fragrant  and  bright 

In  the  Gardener's  care. 
Two  little  tender  birds 

Flown  far  from  fear  and  harm 
Two  little  snow-white  lambs 

In  the  Good  Shepherd's  arm. 

Two  little  angels  more 

Singing  with  voices  sweet, 
Flinging  their  crowns  of  gold 

Down  at  their  Saviour's,  feet. 
Free  from  all  earthly  caitf, 

Pure  from  all  earthly  stain, 
Oh,  who  could  wish  them  back 

In  this  drear  world  a^ain  ? 


1  HIS   TRUTH  SHALL  BE  THY  SHIELD 
AND   BUCKLERS* 

WHEN  my  sins  in  aspect  dread 
Meet  like  waters  o'er  my  head- 
Seen  in  light  of  God's  own  face, 
Darker  for  his  offered  grace — 
When  I  sigh  for  healing  rest, 
By  a  hopeless  yoke  opprest, 

*  Psalms  xci.  4 


144  "  THY  SHIELD  AND  BUCKLER? 


Struggling  in  a  grasp  too  strong, 

Borne  as  by  a  wind  along — 

Then,  I  hear  that  Voice  from  Heaven, 

"  Knock,  and  entrance  shall  be  given— 

Him  that  comes,  whoe'er  he  be, 

I  will  never  cast  from  Me  I" 

When  /  come,  with  trembling  heart, 

Will  the  Saviour  say,  "  Depart  ?" 

Shall  I  find  His  pardon  free 

Is  in  wrath  denied  to  me  ? 

Is  my  guilt  so  deep  in  stain 

That  the  cleansing  blood  is  vain  ? 

"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Not  My  Words — "  so  Christ  doth  say  : 

In  that  hour,  "  His  Truth  shall  be 

Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

When  the  clouds  have  hid  His  face, 
And  His  path  no  more  I  trace, 
And  all  comforts  that  illume 
Life,  have  faded  into  gloom — 
Quenched  each  earth-enkindled  spark, 
Can  I  trust  Him  in  the  dark  ? 
Will  my  wavering  faith  still  hold 
To  a  promise  breathed  of  old  ? 
When  I  meet  some  foe  unknown, 
Shall  I  find  myself  alone  ? 
Soul,  by  faith  thou  walkest  here : 


•  JTET  SHIELD  AND  B  UCKLERr         \  45 

Though  nor  sun  nor  stars  appear, 
Wait  and  watch  throughout  the  night, 
And  till  daybreak  ask  not  sight ! 
All  unseen,  thy  Heavenly  Guide 
Walks,  through  darkness,  at  thy  side. 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
Not  My  Words — "  so  Christ  doth  say : 
In  the  gloom  "  His  Truth  shall  be 
Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

In  the  terrors  of  the  night, 
In  the  mid-day  arrows'  flight, 
When  destruction  wasteth  near, 
And  all  faces  blanch  with  fear, 
When  a  thousand  round  me  fall, 
Shall  I  trust  Thee  calm  through  all  ? 
Will  this  trembling  spirit  be 
Kept  "  in  perfect  peace  "  by  Thee  ? 
Though  all  stable  things  may  end. 
Earth  and  sky  in  tempest  blend, 
Shall  I  lean  upon  Thy  breast, 
And  beneath  Thy  shadow  rest  ? 
Wilt  Thou  arm  my  soul  with  rwwer. 
Ne'er  experienced  till  that  hour  ? 
"  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 
Not  My  Words—"  so  Christ  doth  saj  ■ 
In  that  strait  u  His  Trutf  shall  be 
Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 
13 


146         *  TH1   SHIELD  AND  BUCKLER* 

As  the  weary  years  go  by, 

Will  my  love  wax  cold,  and  die  ? 

If  the  pilgrimage  be  long, 

Life  be  dark,  and  foes  be  strong, 

Shall  I  not  grow  faint,  and  yield  ? 

Shall  I  ever  win  the  Held  ? 

Kow  shall  I  endure  and  dare  ? 

How  the  cross  in  patience  bear  ? 

How  through  tedious  years  sustain 

Wavering  conflict,  oft  in  vain  ? 

Nay,  but  the  Unchanging  Friend 

"  Will  confirm  you  to  the  end  /" 

i4  He  Who  hath  the  work  begun 

Ne'er  will  leave  that  work  undone — w 

While  at  God's  right  hand  He  lives, 

Deathless  is  the  life  He  gives, 

Through  all  change,  and  woe,  and  strife, 

"  Springing  up  to  endless  Life." 

;<  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Not  My  Words — "  so  Christ  doth  say  * 

In  all  years  "  His  Truth  shall  be 

Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 

When  1  reach  life's  earthly  bound, 
And  the  shadows  darken  round, 
All  familiar  things  and  dear 
Fading  fast  from  eye  and  ear,— 
In  that  hour  of  mortal  smart, 


THE  OTHER  A  IDE.  \l~\ 

Trembling  flesh  and  failing  heart, 

Shall  I  find  my  anchoi  vain, 

Parting  in  that  latest  strain  ? 

Hear  the  Shepherd's  voice  of  old, 

Looking  on  liis  helpless  fold, 

Looking  far,  with  gaze  Divine, 

Down  the  ages'  lengthening  line 

44  Every  feeble  sheep  I  know  : 

Life  eternal  I  bestow  : 

None  shall  pluck  them  from  My  hand.1' 

Shall  that  word  of  promise  stand  ? 

Or,  when  countless  foes  affright, 

Closing  round  in  latest  fight, 

In  that  dead!/  hour  and  dim, 

Shall  my  soul  be  snatched  from  mm  \ 

44  Heaven  and  earth  shall  pass  away, 

Not  Mr  Words — n  so  Christ  doth  say : 

In  death's  grasp  "  His  Truth  shall  be 

Shield  and  buckler  unto  thee." 


TUB    OTHER    SIDE. 

T\7E  dwell  this  side  of  Jordan's  stream, 
T  f    Yet  oft  there  comes  a  shining  beam 

Across  from  yonder  shore ; 
While  visions  of  a  holy  throng, 
And  sound  of  harp,  and  seraph  song, 

Seem  gently  wafted  o'er. 


148  THE  OTHER  SIDE. 


The  other  side  !    Ah,  there's  the  place 
Where  saints  in  joy  past  times  retrace, 

And  think  of  trials  gone  ; 
The  veil  withdrawn,  they  clearly  see 
That  all  on  earth  had  need  to  be, 

To  bring  them  safely  home. 

The  other  side  !    No  sin  is  there, 

To  stain  the  robes  that  blessed  ones  weal 

Made  white  in  Jesus'  blood : 
No  cry  of  grief,  no  voice  of  woe, 
To  mar  the  peace  their  spirits  know — 

Their  constant  peace  with  God, 

The  other  side  !    Its  shore  so  bright 
Is  radiant  with  the  golden  light 

Of  Zion  s  city  fair  1 
And  many  dear  ones  gone  before 
Already  tread  the  happy  shore  : 

I  seem  to  see  them  there. 

The  other  side  I    Oh,  charming  sight ! 
Upon  its  banks,  arrayed  in  white, 

For  me  a  loved  one  waits : 
Over  the  stream  he  calls  to  me, 
Fear  not — I  am  thy  guide  to  be, 

Up  to  the  pearly  gates. 


/  AM  CHRIST8  \^ 

The  other  side  !    His  well  known  voice, 
And  dear,  bright  face,  will  me  rejoice : 

We'll  meet  in  fond  embrace. 
He  11  lead  me  on,  until  we  stand, 
Each  with  a  palm-branch  in  our  hand, 

Before  the  Saviour's  face. 

The  other  side  !     The  other  side  ! 
Who  would  not  brave  the  swelling  tide 

Of  earthly  toil  and  care ; 
To  wake  one  day,  when  life  is  past, 
Over  the  stream,  at  home  at  last, 

With  all  the  blessed  ones  there ! 


/  AM  CHRIST'S,  AND    CHRIST  IS  MINK 

IONG  did  I  toil,  and  knew  no  earthly  rest ; 
J    Far  did  I  rove,  and  found  no  certain  home 
At  last  I  sought  them  in  His  sheltering  breast 

Who  opes  His  arms,  and  bids  the  weary  come. 
With  Him  I  found  a  home,  a  rest  divine ; 
And  I  since  then  am  His,  and  He  is  mine. 

Yes,  He  is  mine  !  and  naught  of  earthly  things. 
Not  all  the  charms  of  pleasure,  wealth,  or  power 

The  fame  of  heroes,  or  the  pomp  of  kings, 
Could  tempt  me  to  forego  His  love  an  hour : 

Go,  worthless  world,  I  cry,  with  all  that's  thine ! 

Go  t  I  my  Saviour's  am,  and  He  is  mine, 
13* 


i50  I  AM  CHRIST'S. 


rhe  gooc1  I  have  is  from  His  stores  supplied  ; 

The  ill  is  only  what  He  deems  the  best ; 
He  for  my  friend,  I'm  rich  with  naught  beside, 

And  poor  without  Him,  though  of  all  posscst  \ 
Changes  may  come  ;  I  take,  or  I  resign  ; 
Content  while  I  am  His,  whi  e  He  is  mine. 

Whate'er  may  change,  in  Him  no  change  is  seen ; 

A  glorious  sun,  that  wanes  not  nor  declines  ; 
Above  the  clouds  and  storms  He  walks  serene, 

And  sweetly  on  His  peoples'  darkness  shines : 
All  may  depart ;  I  fret  not,  nor  repine, 
While  I  my  Saviour's  am,  while  He  is  mine. 

He  stays  me  falling,  lifts  me  up  when  down, 
Reclaims  me  wandering,  guards  from  every  foe, 

Plants  on  my  worthless  brow  the  victor's  crown, 
Which,  in  return,  before  His  feet  I  throw  ; 

Grieved  that  I  cannot  better  grace  His  shrine 

Who  deigns  to  own  me  His,  as  He  is  mine. 

While  here,  alas  !  I  know  but  half  His  love, 
But  half  discern  Him,  and  but  half  adore ; 

But  when  I  meet  Him  in  the  realms  above, 
I  hope  to  love  Him  better,  praise  Him  more: 

And  feel,  and  tell,  amid  the  choir  divine, 

How  full j  I  am  His,  and  He  is  mine. 


SATISFIED.  151 


8  A  TISFIED  , 

0  JESUS  !  Friend  unfailing, 
How  dear  art  Thou  to  me ! 
Are  cares  or  fears  assailing  ? 

I  find  my  strength  in  Tlies  ! 
Why  should  my  feet  grow  weary 

Of  this  my  pilgrim  way  ? 
Rough  though  the  path,  and  dreary, 
It  ends  in  perfect  day. 

Naught,  naught  I  count  as  treasure, 

Compared,  O  Christ,  with  Thee  ! 
Thy  sorrow  without  measure 

Earned  peace  and  joy  for  me. 
1  love  to  own,  Lord  Jesus  ! 

Thy  claims  o'er  me  and  mine  : 
Bought  with  Thy  blood  most  precious, 

Whose  can  I  be  but  Thine  ? 

What  fills  my  soul  with  gladness  ? 

'Tis  Thine  abounding  grace  1 
Where  can  I  look  in  sadness, 

But,  Jesus,  on  Thy  face  ? 
My  all  is  Thy  providing ; 

Thy  love  can  ne'er  grow  cold ; 
In  Thee,  my  Refuge,  hiding, 

No  good  wilt  Thou  withhold  ! 


15?  SATISFIED. 

Why  should  I  droop  in  sorrow  % 

Thoivrt  ever  by  my  side : 
Why.  trembling,  dread  the  morrow  g 

What  ill  can  e'er  betide  ? 
If  I  my  Cross  have  taken, 

Tis  but  to  follow  Thee  ; 
[f  scorned,  despised,  forsaken, 

Naught  severs  Thee  from  me  ! 

Oh,  worldly  pomp  and  glory  ! 

Tour  charms  are  spread  in  vain ! 
I've  heard  a  sweeter  story, 

I've  found  a  truer  gain  1 
Where  Christ  a  place  prepareth, 

There  is  my  loved  abode ; 
There  shall  I  gaze  on  Jesus, 

There  shall  I  dwell  with  God  t 

For  every  tribulation, 

For  every  sore  distress, 
Id  Christ  I've  full  salvation, 

Sure  help,  and  quiet  rest. 
No  fear  of  foes  prevailing ! 

I  triumph,  Lord,  in  Thee ! 
0  Jesus  !  Friend  unfailing  ! 

II  ?w  dear  art  Thou  to  me  I 


THE  DA  T  OF  REST.  \  fl3 


THE  DAY  OF   REST. 

ODAY  most  calm,  most  1  right, 
The  trait  of  this,  the  next  world's  bud 
The  endorsement  of  supreme  delight. 
Writ  by  u  Friend,  and  with  His  blood 
The  couch  of  time,  care's  balm  and  bay  : 
The  week  were  dark  but  for  Thy  light, 
Thy  torch  doth  show  the  way. 

The  other  days  and  thou 
Make  up  one  man,  whose  face  Thou  art, 
Knocking  at  Heaven  with  thy  brow ; 
The  worky-days  are  the  back  part ; 
The  burden  of  the  week  lies  there, 
Making  the  whole  to  stoop  and  bow, 

Till  thy  release  appear. 

Man  had  straightforward  gone 
To  endless  death  ;  but  thou  dost  pull 
And  turn  us  round  to  look  on  One, 
Whom,  if  we  were  not  very  dull, 
We  could  not  choose  but  look  on  still 
Since  there  is  no  place  so  alone, 

The  which  He  doth  not  filL 

Sundays  the  pillars  are 
Ol  which  Heaven's  palace  arche"d  lies ; 


1 54  THE  DA  Y  OF  BEST, 


The  other  days  fill  up  the  spare 
And  hollow  room,  with  vanities. 
They  are  the  fruitful  beds  and  bcrders, 
Id  God's  rich  garden,  that  is  bare, 

Which  parts  their  ranks  and  orders 

The  Sundays  of  man's  life, 
Threaded  together  on  time's  string, 
Make  bracelets  to  adorn  the  wife 
Of  the  eternal,  glorious  King. 
On  Sunday  Heaven's  gate  stands  ope ; 
Blessings  are  plentiful  and  rife — 

More  plentiful  than  hope. 

This  day  my  Saviour  rose, 
And  did  enclose  this  light  for  His  , 
That,  as  each  beast  His  manger  knows, 
Man  might  not  of  his  fodder  miss. 
Christ  hath  took  in  this  piece  of  ground, 
And  made  a  garden  there  for  those 

Who  want  herbs  for  their  wound 

The  rest  of  our  creation 
Our  great  Redeemer  did  remove, 
With  the  same  shake,  which  at  His  Passion 
Did  the  earth  and  all  things  with  it  move. 
As  Samson  bore  the  doors  away, 
Christ's  hands,though  nailed, wrought  our  sanation, 

And  did  unhinge  that  day. 


THE  SHUL AMITE.  \  5£ 


The  brightness  of  that  day 
We  sullied  by  our  foul  offence ; 
Wherefore  that  robe  we  cast  away, 
Having  a  new  at  His  expense. 
Whose  drops  of  blood  paid  the  full  price 
That  was  required  to  make  us  gay, 

And  fit  for  Paradise. 

Thou  art  a  day  of  mirth ; 
Ajid  where  the  week-days  trail  on  ground, 
Thy  flight  is  higher,  as  thy  birth ; 
O  let  me  take  thee  at  the  bound, 
Groping  with  thee  from  seven  to  seven, 
Till  that  we  both,  being  tossed  from  earth ; 

Fly  hand  in  hand  to  Heaven  I 


THE   SHULAMITE  AT  THE  LORD'S    FEET 

POOR  heart  1    why  throb   thus  wildly  in   m} 
breast  ? 
The  more  I  ponder  on  my  Master's  word, 
The  more  are  doubts  and  fears  within  me  stirr'd 
Long  as  my  eyes  on  my  own  weakness  rest, 

[  to  come  forth  !     What,  I !     Twas  so  He  said— 
My  wav'ring  steps  to  others  must  be  guide, 
My  feeble  arm  must  'gainst  the  foe  be  tried ; 

There  a  whole  world — and  here  a  lowly  maid  f 


156    LO  VE  THAT  PASSETH  ENO  WLEDG& 

An,  no,  my  Lord  !  and  yet  the  call  is  Thine  1 
I  opoke  unwisely,  keeping  self  in  sight ; 
I'll  only  look  on  Thy  all-saving  might — 

Be  calm,  my  heart !  for  my  Beloved  is  mine. 

Fe^,  my  Beloved    s  mine  —  what  wouldst  thou 
more  ? 

The  cause  is  His  i    It  is  His  work  I  do  ! 

He  is  my  rock,  my  shield  and  buckler  too ; 
Of  strength  and  wisdom  my  unfailing  store. 

And  I  am  His.     Oh,  heart,  be  faithful  still  I 
Still  let  Him  lead  me  as  it  seems  Him  best ! 
With  Him  to  combat,  or  with  Him  to  rest, 

March,  or  encamp,  according  to  His  will. 

My  Friend  is  mine,  and  I  forever  His : 
Himself  he  gave,  myself  to  Him  I  give ; 
In  me  He  dwells— in  Him  alone  I  live  : 

Was  ever  union  half  so  blest  as  this  ? 


THE  LOVE  THAT  PASSETH  KNOWLEDGE 

NOT  what  I  am,  O  Lord,  but  what  Thou  art ! 
That,  that  alone  can  be  my  soul's  true  rest ; 
Thy  love,  not  mine,  bids  fear  and  doubt  depart, 
And  st  ills  the  tempest  of  my  tossing  breast 


LOVE  THAI  PASSETH  KNOWLEDGE.      157 

It  is  Thy  perfect  love  that  casts  out  fear ; 
I  know  the  voice  that  speaks  the  "  It  is  I  \* 

Ajid  in  these  well-known  words  of  heavenly  cheer 
I  hear  the  joy  that  bids  each  sorrow  fly. 

Thy  name  is  Love  !  I  hear  it  from  yon  Cross ; 

Thy  name  is  Love  !  I  read  it  in  yon  tomb ; 
All  meaner  love  is  perishable  dross. 

But  this  shall  light  me  through  time's  thickest 
gloom. 

It  blesses  now,  and  shall  forever  bless ; 

It  saves  me  now,  and  shall  forever  save ; 
It  holds  me  up  in  days  of  helplessness, 

It  bears  me  safely  o'er  each  swelling  wave. 

Girt  with  the  love  of  God  on  every  side, 

Breathing  that  love  as  Heaven's  own  healing  air, 

I  work  or  wait,  still  following  my  guide, 
Braying  each  foe,  escaping  every  snare. 

Tis  what  I  know  of  Thee,  my  Lord  and  God. 

That  fills  my  soul  with  peace,  my  lips  with  song ; 
Thou  art  my  health,  my  joy,  my  staff  and  rod  ; 

Leaning  on  Thee,  in  weakness  I  am  strong. 

[  am  all  want  and  hanger;  this  faint  heart 
Pines  for  a  fullness  which  it  finds  not  here , 

Dear  ones  are  leaving,  and,  as  they  depart, 
Make  room  within  for  something  yet  more  dear, 
14 


158  THE  SHEEP-TRACK. 


More  of  Thyself,  oh,  show  me  hour  by  hour 
More  of  thy  glory,  O  my  God  and  Lord  ! 

More  of  Thyself  in  all  Thy  grace  and  power, 
More  of  Thy  love  and  truth,  Incarnate  Word! 


THE  SHEEP-TRACK. 

TWO  ways :  only  two.     One  learleth 
Home  to  the  land  of  rest, 
And  the  Good   Shepherd   guides  the  flock   He 
feedeth, 
The  road  He  knoweth  best, 

The  feeble  lamb,  within  His  bosom  hiding, 

Is  precious  as  the  strong  ; 
The  sick  He  tends :  in  sweet  compassion  guiding 

The  weary  one  with  young. 

He  leads  them  forth,  He  goeth  out  before  them ; 

And  where  the  two  ways  meet, 
They  look  to  Him,  whose  eye  is  watching  oV.i  them. 

To  guide  their  wavering  feet. 

They  own  a  mark  by  which  the  Master  claims  them, 
Though  oft  the  sign  seems  dim ; 

And  well  they  know  the   Shepherd  King   who 
names  them — 
ITiey  hear  and  follow  Him. 


THE  SHEEP-TRaCK.  159 

Sweet  sounds  His  voice.    All  other  calls  unheeding. 

They  watch  where  He  may  lead ; 
And  in  His  face  of  love  His  wishes  reading, 

The  flock  that  track  will  tread. 

Narrow  it  is,  and  rough,  and  often  lonely, 

"Cpon  the  mountain  steep  : 
There's  room  for  Jesus,  and  for  Jesus  only 

And  for  Hi3  timid  sheep. 

Around  spread  flowery  fields  where  in  theii  blind- 
ness 
The  careless  ones  would  roam  : 
Sharp  seems  the  Shepherd's  rod  that  fa^ls  id  kind- 
ness 
To  bring  the  wanderers  home. 

Fierce  howls  the  wolf,  and  adders  creep  arotuLcl 

them  ; 
But  succor  He  will  send ; 
For  He  who  in  the  wilderness  first  found  them 
Will  keep  them  to  the  end. 

Two  ways  :  only  two.     The  other  bendetb 

Down  unto  hell  beneath  ! 
Broad  is  the  gate,  and  frantic  mirth  ascendetti 

From  crowds  that  rush  to  death. 


160  "  MOD  LORD,  DELIVER  US!" 

No  heavenly  friend  will  soothe  their  hopeles  sor- 
row, 

No  arm  their  burden  bear ; 
No  fold  of  rest  awaits  thern  on  the  morrow, 

No  Shepherd  King  is  there. 

For  them  death's  bondage,  and  a  night  of  weeping 

That  hath  no  dawn  of  day. 
Oh,  Christ !   who  o'er  Thy  flock  Thy  watch  art 
keeping, 

Thou  art  the  Truth,  the  Way  ! 


lIN  ALL   TIME  OF  OUR  TRIBULATION 
GOOD  LORD,  DELIVER    US!" 

SAVIOUR !  by  Thy  sweet  compassion, 
So  unmeasured,  so  Divine ; 
By  that  bitter,  bitter  Passion  ; 

By  that  crimson  Cross  of  Thine ; 
By  the  woes  Thy  love  once  tasted 
In  this  sin-marred  world  below, 
Succor  those  in  tribulation, 
Succor  those  in  sorrow  now. 

Thou  Who  wast  so  sorely  burdened, 
Help  the  weak  that  are  oppressed  • 

Sanctify  all  earthly  crosses, 
For  the  coming  day  of  rest ; 


44  GOOD  LORD,  DELIVER  USt*  161 


Qiye  the  meek  a  trustful  spirit 
That  will  always  lean  on  Thee, 

And  in  storms  of  deep  affliction 
Still  Thy  gracious  Presence  see. 

Lord,  Thou  hast  a  holy  purpose 

In  each  suffering  we  bear ; 
In  each  throe  of  pain  and  terroi, 

In  each  secret,  silent  tear ; 
lu  the  weary  days  of  sickness. 

Famine,  want,  and  loneliness ; 
[n  our  night-time  of  bereavement. 

In  our  soul's  Lent-bitterness. 

Ail  the  needful  sweet  correction 

Of  this  gentle  Hand  of  Thine, 
All  Thy  wise  and  careful  nurture, 

All  Thy  faultless  discipline  : 
All  to  purge  the  precious  metal, 

Till  it  will  reflect  Thy  face ; 
All  to  chape  and  polish  jewels 

Thine  Own  diadem  to  grace. 

Lord,  we  know  that  we  must  evei 
Take  our  cross  and  follow  Thee 

All  along  the  narrow  pathway, 
If  we  would  Thy  glory  see. 


102  "GOOD  LORD,  DELIVER  UStr 


Then,  oh,  help  us  each  to  bear  it, 
By  Thine  own  hard  life  of  shame ; 

Let  us  suffer  well  and  meekly, 
Let  us  glorify  Thy  name. 

Cheei  the  weak  ones  who  are  bending 

'Neath  this  weary  burden  now ; 
Lift  the  pallid  faces  upward, 

Smooth  the  care-worn,  furrowed  brow . 
Hend  a  bright  and  hopeful  message 

To  each  tried  and  tempted  heart, 
That  the  thick  and  gloomy  shadows* 

At  that  sunshine  may  depart. 

Tell  them  Thou  canst  see  all  sorrow 

In  this  world's  rough  wilderness ; 
Tell  them  Thou  art  near  to  succor, 

Near  to  comfort  and  to  bless  ; 
Tell  them  of  Thy  Cross  and  Passion; 

Tell  them  of  Thy  trials  sore, 
Tell  them  of  the  Angel-city 

Where  is  joy  for  evermore. 


V1S1TA  TION  OF  THE  SICK.  103 


VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 

PEACE  to  this  house  !  O  Thou  Whose  way 
Was  on  the  waves,  Whose  voice  did  stay 
The  wild  wind's  rage,  come,  Lord,  and  say, 
Peace  to  this  house  1 


Thou,  WTio  in  pity  for  the  weak 
Didst  quit  Thy  heavenly  Throne  to  seek 
And  save  the  lost,  come,  Lord,  and  speak 
Peace  to  this  house  1 

Thou,  Who  dost  all  our  sorrows  know 
And  when  our  tears  of  anguish  flow 
Dost  feel  compassion,  come,  bestow 
Peace  on  this  house  1 

Thou,  Who  in  agony  didst  pray, 
"  Take,  Father,  take  this  cup  away," 
And  then  wast  strengthened,  come  and  saj. 
Peace  to  this  house  i 

O  Conqueror  by  suffering  I 
0  mighty  Victor  I  glorious  King  I 
From  out  of  pain  and  sorrow  bring 
Peace  to  this  house  ! 


164  VISITATION  OF  THE  SICK. 


Thou,  WTio  triumphant  from  the  dead 
Thine  Hands  didst  o'er  the  Apostles  spread 
And  say,  "  Peace  to  you,"  come,  and  shed 
Peace  on  this  house  ! 

Thou,  Who  didst  on  the  clouds  ascend 
And  then  the  Holy  Spirit  send, 
Send  Him  to  comfort,  and  defend 
All  in  this  house  ! 

Lord,  in  the  Sacramental  food 
Of  Thine  own  Body  and  Thy  Blood, 
Peace  that  is  felt,  not  understood, 
Give  to  this  house  I 

Save,  save  us  sinking  in  the  deep, 
Give  ease  from  pain  and  quiet  sleep, 
And  under  Thy  wing's  shelter  keep 
All  in  this  house  ! 

"  Peace  to  this  house,"  come,  Lord,  an  j  say 
Come  to  us,  Lord,  and  with  us  stay , 
Oh,  give,  and  never  take  away 
Peace  from  this  house  ! 

And  when  at  last  our  fainting  breath 
On  trembling  lips  scarce  quivereth, 
Oh,  bring  us  through  the  gate  of  Death, 
Lord,  to  Thine  House  ! 


THE  MYSTERY  OF  CHRIST.  Ifl5 

To  Thine  own  House  in  Paradise, 
To  Thine  own  House  above  the  sk.es, 
To  live  the  life  that  never  dies, 
Lord,  in  Thine  House  ! 


THE   MYSTERY  OF  CHRIST 

1  MARVEL  night  and  day,  and  cannot  cease — 
Ask  evermore,  Can  this  thing  be  ? 
Heaven  brought  to  earth — her  Maker  made  my 
peace, 
God  bound,  to  set  me  free  ! 

I  cannot  love  Thee  as  I  would  and  ought ; 

But,  by  Thy  grace  presenting  still, 
From  all  things  else  to  Thee  returns  my  thought, 

And  brings  Thee  back  my  will. 

All  thoughts,  all  searches,  to  this  centre  tend ; 

All  rays  in  this  one  focus  meet ; 
Here,  as  of  old,  the  wise  men  journeying  send 

Their  treasures  at  Thy  feet. 

There  Is  no  ieoord,  but  doth  hint  of  Thee ; 

All  history  else  were  false  and  vain ; 
The  stones  Thy  kingdom  preach ;  loosed  with  thfo 
key, 

All  hardest  things  aie  plain. 


1 66  THE  MTSTER  T  OF  CHH1ST. 


Then.'  is  no  Tvisdom  but  doth  taste  of  Thine ; 

All  lights  that  did  Thine  own  forerun 
Caught  Thy  prevenient  gleams,  as  clouds  that 
shine 

In  the  unrisen  sun. 

The  glories  of  earth's  empires,  age  by  age 

Submitting  grandly  to  decay, 
Were  but  the'  illusive  dawn  that  did  presage 

Thy  fixed  and  perfect  day. 

Art's  beauteous  dreams,  the  charm  of  thought  and 
song, 

The  majesty  of  rule  and  law, 
The  single  mind  outsoaring  from  the  throng, 

Gifted  a  world  to  draw,-  - 

What  were  they  all  but  preludes  poor  and  fain* 

Of  Thy  supreme  imperial  reign 
In  glory  and  in  beauty,  when  each  saint 

Thy  likeness  shall  attain  ? 

Thou  hast  been  here ;  of  old,  as  now, 

Walking  unseen  the  paths  we  go ; 
But  in  the  central  years,  one  lifetime,  Thou 

Thy  visible  form  didst  show. 


TEE  GIVER  ANL  TEE  GIFTS.  \tf 

A  cloud  did  steal  Thee  from  us ;  but  that  hour 

Thy  glorious  ministry  began  ; 
Thou  gav'st  the  word — from  thence,  with  quick- 
ening power, 

That  word  the  earth  o'erran. 

Thou  art  not  gone,  but  hidden  ;  to  our  sense 
Thou  shalt  return  ;  Thou  didst  not  show 

Thy  glory  at  the  first,  whose  height  immense 
Stooped  to  our  stature  low. 

Till  Thy  true  advent  dawn,  Thy  Church,  like  Thee, 

Shall  suffer,  die,  and  rise  again ; 
Then,  glorified,  made  white,  eternally 

With  Thee  on  earth  shall  reign. 


THE  GIVER  AND   THE  GIFTS 

THE  path  I  trod  so  pleasant  was  and  fau, 
I  counted  it  life's  best ; 
Forgetting  that  Thou,  Lord,  hadst  placed  me  there 
To  journey  towards  Thy  rest. 

Forgetting  that  the  path  was  only  good 

Because  the  homeward  way, 
I  held  it  fullest  beauty  where  I  stood — 

I  thought  these  gleams  the  day. 


108  THE  GIVER  AND  THE  GIFTS. 


I  know  I  might  have  seen  in  every  star 

That  sheds  its  light  on  me, 
A  lamp  of  Thine,  set  out  to  guide  from  far 

My  steps  towards  home  and  Thee ; — 

Have  heard  in  streams  with  bending  grasses  clad, 

Which  sparkled  through  the  sod, 
The  music  of  the  river  that  makes  glad 

The  city  of  our  God  ; — 

In  flowers  plucked  but  to  wither  in  my  hand, 

Or  passed  with  lingering  feet, 
Have  read  my  Father's  promise  of  a  land 

Where  flowers  are  still  more  sweet. 

And  I  have  knelt,  how  often,  thanking  Thee 

For  what  Thy  love  hath  given, 
Then  turned  away  to  bend  to  these  my  knew, 

And  seek  in  these  my  Heaven. 

Forgive  me  that  I,  looking  for  the  day, 

Forget  whence  it  would  shine  ; 
And  turned  Thy  helps  to  reasons  for  delay, 

And  loved  not  Thee,  but  Thine. 

Set  most  for  the  cold  heart  with  which  I  write 

Of  sin  so  faintly  felt : — 
this  frost  of  doubt,  this  darkness  as  of  night 

Thy  love  can  cheer  and  melt 


'/  WILL  AltlSM"  169 


On  mc  unworthy  shed,  O  Lord,  the  glow 

Of  Thy  dear  light  and  love, 
That  I  may  walk  with  trusting  faith  below, 

Towards  the  fair  land  above  ; 

That  I  may  learn  in  all  Thy  gifts  to  see 

The  love  that  on  me  smiled, 
And  find  in  all  I  have  a  thought  of  Thee, 

Who  thus  hast  blessed  Thy  child ; 

And  most  in  what  Thy  tenderest  love  hath  given 

Those  to  my  heart  most  dear ; 
May  I  through  these  look  upward  to  Thy  Heaven, 

In  these  find  Thee  most  near. 


"/  WILL  ARISE  AND  GO  TO  MY  FATHER? 

I  ASK  if  Thou  canst  love  me  still,  0  God  ? 
They  say  Thou  canst  not  love  so  weak  a  thing — 
One  that  was  angered  by  a  Father's  rod, 
One  that  hath  wayward  and  rebellious  been, 
Unstable,  thankless,  prone  to  every  sin. 
Thou  knowest  all — yet  whither  shall  I  go, 
To  leave  my  sins  and  with  them  leave  my  wuc, 
Except  to  Thee,  who  only  help  canst  bring, 
And  bid  me  live  thy  pardoning  love  to  sing  ? 
15 


!70  WAKING 

I  come,  my  sinful  thoughts  have  vexed  me  long ; 

I  fly.  for  evil  spirits  round  me  throng, 

And  I  am  weak,  but  Thou,  my  God,  art  strong ! 

My  tears  are  flowing — no,  Thou  canst  not  see 

Thy  child  in  anguish  and  not  pity  me. 

I  lay  my  head  upon  thy  infinite  heart, 

I  hide  beneath  the  shelter  of  thy  wing  ; 

Pursued,  and  tempted,  helpless,  I  must  cling 

To  Thee,  my  Father ;  bid  me  not  depart, 

For  sin  and  death  pursue,  and  life  is  where  Thou  art  I 


W  A  KIN  G. 

I  HAVE  done,  at  length,  with  dreaming ; 
Henceforth,  O  Thou  Soul  of  mine, 
Thou  must  take  up  sword  and  gauntlet, 

Waging  warfare  most  divine. 
Life  is  struggle,  combat,  victory — 

Wherefore  have  I  slumbered  on 
With  my  forces  all  unmarshaled, 

With  my  weapons  all  undrawn  ? 
Oh,  how  many  a  glorious  record 

Had  the  angel  of  me  kept, 
Had  I  done  instead  of  doubted, 

Had  I  warred  instead  of  wept ! 


WAKING.  171 

But,  begone  !  regret,  bewailing, 

Ye  but  weaken  at  the  best ; 
I  have  tried  the  trusty  weapons 

Resting  erst  within  my  breast : 
I  have  wakened  to  my  duty, 

To  a  knowledge  strong  and  deep, 
That  I  dreamed  not  of  aforetime 

In  my  long,  inglorious  sleep  : 
For  to  lose  is  something  awful, 

And  I  knew  it  not  before  ; 
And  I  dreamed  not  how  stupendous 

Was  the  secret  that  I  bore — 
The  great,  deep,  mysterious  secret 

Of  a  life  to  be  wrought  out 
Into  warm,  heroic  action, 

Weakened  not  by  fear  or  doubt 
In  this  subtle  sense  of  living, 

Newly  stirred  in  every  vein, 
I  can  feel  a  throb  electric, 

Pleasure  half-allied  to  pain. — 
rTi3  so  great — and  yet  so  awful — 

So  bewildering,  yet  so  brave, 
To  be  king  in  every  conflict 

Where  before  I  crouched  a  slave. 
It's  so  glorious  to  be  conscious 

Of  a  glorious  power  within, 
Stronger  than  the  rallying  forces 

Of  a  charged  and  marshaled  sin. 


1 72  NOTHING  B UT  LEA  FiS, 


Never  in  those  old  romances 

Felt  I  half  the  sense  of  life 
That  I  feel  within  me  stirring 

Standing  in  the  place  of  strife. 
Oh,  those  olden  days  of  dalliance, 

When  I  wantoned  with  my  fate, 
When  I  trifled  with  a  knowledge 

That  well-nigh  had  come  too  late 
Yet,  my  Soul,  look  not  behind  thee, 

Thou  hast  work  to  do  at  last ; 
Let  the  brave  toil  of  the  Present 

Overarch  the  crumbling  Past ; 
Build  thy  great  acts  high,  and  higher 

Build  them  on  the  conquered  sod 
Where  thy  weakness  first  fell  bleeding, 

And  thy  first  prayer  rose  to  God. 


NOTHING  BUT  LEAVE*. 

VTOTHING  but  leaves :  the  spirit  grieves 
jl\    Over  a  wasted  life. 
Sins  committed  while  conscience  slept ; 
Promises  made,  but  never  kept ; 
Hatred,  battle,  and  strife — 
Nothing  but  leaves. 

Nothing  but  leaves :  no  garnered  sheaves 
Of  life's  fail*  ripened  grain  : 


PA  UL  GERHARDTyS  HYMN.  \  73 


Words,  idle  words,  for  earnest  deeds. 
We  sow  our  seed — lo  1  tares  and  weeds 
Go  reap  with  toil  and  pain 
Nothing  but  leaves. 

Nothing  but  leaves  :  memory  weaves 

No  veil  to  sever  the  past ; 
As  we  return  our  weary  way. 
Counting  each  lost  and  misspent  day, 

We  find  sadly,  at  last, 

Nothing  but  leaves. 

And  shall  we  meet  the  Master  so, 

Bearing  our  withered  leaves  ? 
The  Saviour  looks  for  perfect  fruit : 
We  stand  before  Him,  humbled,  mute, 
Waiting  the  word  He  breathes — 
Nothing  but  leaves. 


PAUL    UERHARDVS  HYMN 

COMETH  sunshine  after  rain, 
After  morning  joy  again; 
After  heavy,  bitter  grief, 
Dawneth  surely  sweet  relief: 

And  my  soul,  who,  from  her  height, 
Sank  to  realms  of  woe  and  night, 
Wingeth  now  to  heaven  her  night. 
15* 


174  PAUL  GERHARDTS  HYMN. 


He  whom  this  world  dares  not  face, 
Hath  refreshed  nie  with  His  grace. 
And  His  mighty  Hand  unbound, 
Chains  of  hell  about  me  wound ; 

Quicker,  stronger,  leaps  my  blood 
Since  His  mercy,  like  a  flood, 
Poured  o'er  all  my  heart  for  good. 

Bitter  anguish  have  I  borne, 
Keen  regret  my  heart  hath  torn, 
Sorrow  dimmed  my  wenping  eyes, 
Satan  blinded  me  with  lies  : 

Yet  at  last  am  I  set  free, 
Help,  protection,  love,  to  me 
Once  more  true  companions  be. 

Ne'er  was  left  a  helpless  prey, 

Ne'er  with  shame  was  turned  away, — 

He  who  gave  himself  to  God, 

And  on  him  had  cast  a  load  ; 

Who  in  God  his  hope  hath  placed, 
Shall  not  life  in  pain  outwaste, 
Fullest  joy  he  yet  shall  ta3te. 


-  REST  REMAINETH."  \  75 


"REST  REMAIN  ETW 

JJEST  REMAINETH— oh,  how  sweet 

Flowery  fields  for  wandering  feet, 
Peaceful  calm  for  sleepless  eyes, 
Life  for  death,  and  songs  for  sighs. 


Rest  remaineth — hush  that  sigh  ; 
Mourning  pilgrim,  rest  is  nigh  ; 
Yet  a  season,  bright  and  blest, 
Thou  shalt  enter  on  thy  rest. 

Rest  remaineth — rest  from  sin — 
Guilt  can  never  enter  in  ; 
Every  warring  thought  shall  cease — 
Rest  in  purity  and  peace. 

Rest  remaineth — resc  irom  tears, 
Rest  from  parting,  rest  from  fears ; 
Every  trembling  thought  shall  be 
Lost,  my  Saviour — lost  in  Thee. 

Rest  remaineth — oh/  how  blest ! 
We  believe,  and  we  have  rest ; 
Faith,  reposing  faith,  hath  been 
'Mongst  the  things  that  are  not  seen. 


176  mJ  SHALL  BE  SA  TISF1XD* 

Thus,  my  Saviour,  let  me  be 
Even  here  at  rest  in  Thee, 
And,  at  last,  by  Thee  possessed, 
On  Thy  bosom  sink  to  rest. 


"/  SHALL  BE  SATISFIED." 

VfOT  HERE!   not  here!  not  where  the  spark- 
le ling  waters 

Fade  into  mocking  sands,  as  we  draw  near ; 
Where  in  the  wilderness  each  footstep  falters : 
I  shall  be  satisfied — but  oh,  not  here  1 

Not  here — where  every  dream  of  bliss  deceives  us, 
Where  the  worn  spirit  never  gains  its  goal ; 
Where,  haunted  ever  by  the  thought  that  grieves  us, 
Across  us  floods  of  bitter  memory  roll. 

There  is  a  land  where  eveiy  pulse  is  thrilling 
With  rapture  earth's  sojourners  may  not  know ; 
Where  heaven's  repose  the  weary  heart  is  stilling 
And  peacefully  life's  time-toss'd  currents  flow. 

Far  out  of  sight,  while  yet  the  flesh  infolds  us, 
Lies  the  fair  country  where  our  hearts  abide, 
And  of  its  bliss  is  naught  more  wondrous  told  ufi 
Than  these  few  words :  M  I  shall  be  satisfied  1" 


JESUS,  I  AM  A EVER   WEARY.  \^ 


Satisfied  !  satisfied  !  the  spirit's  yearning 
For  sweet  companionship  with  kindred  minds  ; 
The  silent  love  that  here  meets  no  returning, 
The  inspiration  which  no  language  finds. 

Shall  they  be  satisfied  ? — the  soul's  vague  longings 
The  aching  void  which  nothing  earthly  fills  ? 

0  what  desires  upon  my  soul  are  thronging, 
As  I  look  uj)ward  to  the  heavenly  hills ! 

Thither  my  weak  and  weary  feet  are  tending — 
Saviour  and  Lord,  with  Thy  frail  child  abide ; 
Guide  me  toward  home,  where,  all  my  wanderings 
ended, 

1  tfien  shall  see  Thee  and  u  be  satisfied  !" 


JESUS,   I  AX  NEVER    WEARY. 

JESUS,  I  am  never  weary, 
When  upon  this  bed  of  pain ; 
If  Thy  presence  only  cheer  me, 
All  my  loss  I  count  but  gain  : 

Ever  near  me, 
Ever  near  me,  Lord,  remain  * 

Dear  ones  come  with  fruits  and  flowera, 
Thus  to  cheer  my  heart  the  while. 


176  JESUS,  1  AM  NEVER   WEARY, 

In  these  deeply  anxious  hours  ; 
Oh  !  if  Jesus  only  smile  !-- 

Only  Jesus 
Can  these  troubling  fears  beguile. 

All  my  sins  were  laid  upon  Thee, 
All  my  griefs  were  on  Thee  laid ; 

For  the  blood  of  Thine  atonement 
All  my  utmost  debts  has  paid : 

Dearest  Saviour  I 
I  believe,  for  Thou  hast  said. 

Dearest  Saviour  1  go  not  from  me , 
Let  Thy  presence  still  abide ; 

Look  in  tenderest  love  upon  me — 
I  am  sheltering  at  Thy  side, 

Dearest  Saviour ! 
Whc  for  suffering  sinners  died 

Both  mine  arms  are  clasped  around  Thee, 
Aud  my  head  is  on  Thy  breast ; 

For  my  weary  soul  has  found  Thee 
Such  a  perfect,  perfect  resx. 

Dearest  Saviour ! 
Now  I  know  that  I  am  blest 


WE  SHALL  SEE  HIM  AS  HE  IS  1 79 


WE  SHALL  SEE  HIM  AS  HE  IS. 

NOT  as  He  was,  a  houseless  stranger, 
With  no  home  to  shield  His  head ; 
Not  as  seen  in  Bethlehem's  manger, 
Where  the  horned  oxen  fed ; — 

Not  as  in  the  Garden  groaning, 
Plunged  in  deep,  mysterious  woe, 

All  the  guilt  of  man  bemoaning, 
While  the  precious  blood-sweats  flow 

Not  as  seen  on  Calvary's  mountain, 
Where  He  oifered  up  His  soul, 

Opening  wide  that  sacred  Fountain, 
Which  alone  can  make  ua  whole ; — 

Not  as  He  was,  a  pale  and  breathless 
Captive  in  the  shades  beneath, — 

But  as  He  is,  Immortal,  Deathless, 
Conqueror  oTei  the  powers  of  death  I 

Yes  !  wo  shall  see  Him  in  our  nature 
Seated  on  His  lofty  Throne — 

Loved,  adored  by  every  creature — 
Owned  as  God,  and  God  alono ! 


180  CONTENTMENT. 


There  countless  hosts  of  shining  spirits 
Strike  their  harps,  and  loudly  sing 

To  the  praise  of  Jesus'  merits, 
To  the  glory  of  their  King  I 

When  we  pass  o'er  death's  dark  river, 
We  shall  see  Him  as  He  is  — 

Resting  in  His  love  and  favor, 
Owning  all  the  glory  His. 

There  to  cast  our  crowns  before  Him — 
Oh,  what  bliss  the  thought  affords ! 

There  forever  to  adore  Him — 

King  of  kings  and  Lord  of  lords  I 


CONTENTMENT 

BE  thou  content ;  be  still  before 
His  face,  at  whose  right  hand  doth  reign 
Fullness  of  joy  for  evermore, 

Without  whom  all  thy  toil  is  vain : 
He  is  thy  living  spring,  thy  sun,  whose  rays 
Make  glad  with  life  and  light  thy  dreary  days. 
Be  thou  content. 

In  Him  is  comfort,  light,  and  grace, 
And  changeless  love  beyond  our  thought ; 

rhe  sorest  pang,  the  worst  disgrace, 
If  He  is  there,  shall  harm  thee  not. 


HA  VE  FAITE  IN  GOD.  181 


He  can  lif  off  thy  cross,  and  loose  thy  bands, 

And  calm  thy  fears  ■  nay,  death  is  in  His  hands  : 
Be  thou  content. 

Or  art  thou  friendless  and  alone, 

Hast  none  in  whom  thou  canst  confide  ? 

God  careth  for  thee,  lonely  one — 
Comfort  and  help  He  will  provide. 

He  sees  thy  sorrows,  and  thy  hidden  grief, 

He  knoweth  when  to  send  thee  quick  relief: 
Be  thou  content. 

Thy  heart's  unspoken  pain  He  knows, 
Thy  secret  sighs  He  hears  full  well ; 

What  to  none  else  thou  dar'st  disclose, 
To  Him  thou  may'st  with  boldness  telL 

He  is  not  far  away,  but  eyer  nigh, 

And  answereth  willingly  the  poor  man's  cry : 
Be  thou  content. 


HA  VE  FAITH   IN  GOD. 

HAVE  faith  in  God  !  for  He  who  reigns  on  high 
Hath  borne  thy  grief  and  hears  the  suppli 
ant's  sigh ; 
Btili  to  His  arms,  thine  only  refuge,  fly. 
Have  laith  in  God  ! 
IS 


182  BREAL  UPON  THE  WATERS. 


Fear  not  to  call  on  Him,  0  soul  distressed ! 
Thy  sorrow's  whisper  woos  thee  to  His  brea&t ; 
He  who  is  oftenest  there  is  oftenest  blest. 
Have  faith  in  God  ! 

Lean  not  on  Egypt's  reeds ;  slake  not  thy  thirst 
Lt  earthly  cisterns*     Seek  the  kingdom  first. 
Though  man  and  Satan  fright  thee  with  theif 
worst, 

Have  faith  in  God  1 

Go  '  tell  Him  all !    The  sigh  thy  bosom  heaves 
Is  heard  in  heaven.    Strength  and  grace  He  givea, 
Who  gave  Himself  for  thee.     Our  Jesus  lives. 
Have  faith  in  God  I 


BREAD    UPON  THE    WATERS. 

SAY  not,  "  'Twas  all  in  vain," 
The  anguish,  and  the  darkness,  and  the  strife; 
Love  thrown  upon  the  waters  comes  again 
In  quenchless  yearnings  for  a  nobler  life. 
think  1     In  that  midnight,  on  thy  weary  sight 
The  stars  shone  forth,  and  'neath  their  weJcoine 
rays 
rhine  hopes  to  Heaven  like  birds  first  took  their 
flight, 
And  "  thou  shalt  find  them— after  many  daya" 


BREAD  UPON  THE  WATERS.  188 


Say  not,  "  'Twas  all  in  vain," 

The  vigil,  and  the  sickness,  and  the  tears ; 
Fur  in  that  Land  "  where  there  is  no  more  pain," 

The  grain  is  garnered  from  those  mournful  years. 
The  faded  lorm,  once  sheltered  on  thy  breast, 

In  gentle  ministry  thy  care  repays  ; 
And  smiling  on  thee  from  her  sinless  rest, 

Fear  not  to  find  her — "  after  many  days." 

Say  not,  u  'Twas  all  in  vain," 

Thy  tenderness,  thy  meekness — oh,  not  so  ! 
A.  strength  for  others'  sufferings  shalt  thou  gain, 

As  healing  balms  from  bruised  flowerets  flow. 
Weep  not  the  wealth  in  fearless  faith  cast  forth 

On  the  dark  billows  shipwrecked  to  thy  gaze ; 
The  bark  was  frail,  the  gem  had  still  its  worth, 

And  "  thou  shalt  find  it — after  many  days." 

Say  not,  u  'Twas  all  in  vain," 
The  watching,  and  the  waiting,  and  the  prayer, 
In  pierced  hands  hath  it  unassumed  lain  ; 

'Twill  grow  more  radiant  as  it  lingereth  there. 
'Tie  space — where  once  thy  quivering  form  was 
cast, 
Thy  heart-wrung  sobs  no  floating  breeze  betrays , 
Yet,  'mid  the  white-winged  choir  thy  prayer  hath 
passed, 
And  "  thou  shalt  find  it — after  many  days." 


184  REST  FOR  THE  WEARY. 


Say  not,  u  'Twas  all  in  Tain,'' 

The  patience,  and  the  pity,  and  the  word 
In  warning  breathed  'mid  passion's  hurricane. 

Unheeded  here — but  God  that  whisper  heard, 
The  tender  grief,  o'er  strangers'  sorrow  shed, 

The  sacrifice  that  won  no  human  praise. 
In  faith  upon  the  waters  cast  thy  Bread, 

For  "  thou  shalt  find  it — after  many  days." 


REST  FOR    THE   WEARY. 

NOT  long,  not  long  !    The  spirit-wasting  fever 
Of  this  strange  life  shall  quit  each  throbbing 
vein ; 
And  this  wild  pulse  flow  placidly  forever ; 
And  endless  peace  relieve  the  burning  brain. 

Earth's  joys  are  but  a  dream  ;  its  destiny 
Is  but  decay  and  death.     Its  fairest  form 

Sunshine  and  shadow  mixed.     Its  brightest  day 
A  rainbow  braided  on  the  wreaths  of  storm. 

Yet  tnere  is  blessedness  that  changeth  not ; 

A  rest  with  God,  a  life  that  cannot  die ; 
A  better  portion,  and  a  brighter  lot ; 

A  home  with  Christ,  a  heritage  on  high. 


THE  OFFERING.  186 


Bcpe  for  tlia  hopeless,  for  the  weary  rest, 
More  gentle  than  the  still  repose  of  even  I 

Joy  for  the  joyless,  bliss  for  the  unblest ; 
Homes  for  the  desolate  in  yonder  heaven. 

The  tempest  makes  returning  calm  more  dear ; 

The  darkest  midnight  makes  the  brightest  star ; 
Even  so  to  us,  when  all  is  ended  here, 

Shall  be  the  past,  remembered  from  afar. 

Then  welcome  change  and  death  1    since  these 
alone 

Can  break  life's  fetters,  and  dissolve  its  spell ; 
Welcome  all  present  change,  which  speeds  us  oq 

So  swift  to  that  which  is  unchangeable. 


THE    OFFERING. 

NO  more  my  own,  Lord  Jesus ; 
Bought  with  Thy  precious  BJood, 
I  give  Thee  but  Thine  own,  Lord, 
That  long  Thy  love  withstood 

I  give  the  life  Thou  gavest, 

My  present,  future,  past ; 
My  joys,  my  fears,  my  sorrows, 

My  first  hope  and  my  last 
10* 


186  THE  OFFERING. 

I  give  Thee  up  my  weakness, 
That  oft  distrust  hath  bred. 

That  Thy  indwelling  power 
May  thus  be  perfected. 

I  give  the  love  the  sweetest 
Thy  goodness  grants  to  me  ; 

Take  it,  and  make  it  meet.  Lord, 
For  offering  to  Thee. 

Smile  !  and  the  very  shadows 
In  Thy  blest  light  shall  shine ; 

Take  Thou  my  heart,  Lord  Jesu&; 
For  Thou  hast  made  it  Thine. 

Thou  know'st  my  soul's  ambition. 
For  Thou  hast  changed  its  aim.  ■ 

(The  world's  reproach  I  fear  not,) 
To  share  a  Saviour's  shame ; 

Outside  the  camp  to  suffer ; 

Within  the  Vail  to  meet, 
And  hear  Thy  softest  whisper 

From  out  the  Mercy-seat. 

Thou  bear'st  me  on  Thy  bosom. 
Amidst  Thy  jewels  worn, 

Upon  Thy  hands  deep  graven, 
By  arms  of  love  upborne. 


HOLD  ON,  HOLD  IN,  HOLD  OUT.         18? 


Rescued  from  sin's  destiuction, 
Ransomed  from  death  and  hell ; 

Complete  in  Thee,  Lord  Jesus  : 
Thou  hast  done  all  things  well ! 

Oh,  deathless  love  that  bought  me ! 

Oil,  price  beyond  my  ken  1 
Oh,  Life,  that  hides  my  own  life 

E'en  from  my  fellow-men  I 

Now  fashion,  form,  and  fill  me 
With  light  and  love  Divine  ; 

So,  one  with  Thee,  Lord  Jesus, 
I'm  Thine — forever  Thine  1 


HOLD    ON,   HOLD  IN,  HOLD    OUT. 

HOLD  on,  my  heart,  in  thy  believing  ! 
The  steadfast  only  wins  the  crown. 
He  w  no,  when  stormy  waves  are  heaving, 
Parts  with  his  anchor,  shall  go  down ; 
But  be  who  Jesus  holds  through  all, 
Shall  stand,  though  heaven  and  earth  shall  fall. 

Hold  in  thy  murmurs,  heaven  arraigning  I 
The  patient  see  God's  loving  face  : 

Who  bear  their  burdens  uncomplaining, 
'Tift  they  that  win  the  Father'3  grace  • 


188  GO  TELL  JESUS. 


He  wounds  himself  who  bears  the  rod, 
And  sets  himself  to  fight  with  God 

Hold  out  /    There  comes  an  end  to  sorrow  4 
Hope  from  the  dust  shall  conquering  rise  % 

The  storm  foretells  a  sunnier  morrow ; 
The  Cross  points  on  to  Paradise. 

The  Father  reigneth  ;  cease  all  doubt ; 

H^ld  on,  my  heart,  hold  in,  hold  out  I 


GO    TELL    JESUS. 

BURY  thy  sorrow, 
The  world  has  its  share ; 
Bury  it  deeply, 
Hide  it  with  care. 


Think  of  it  calmly 

When  curtained  by  night, 
Tell  it  to  Jesus, 

And  all  will  be  right. 

Tell  it  to  Jesus, 

He  knoweth  thy  grief ; 
Tell  it  to  Jesus, 

He'll  send  thee  reliet 


A  PSALM  FOR  NEW  TEARS  EVE,        189 

Gather  the  sunlight 

Aglow  on  thy  way ; 
Gather  the  moonbeams, 

Each  soft  silver  ray. 

Hearts  grown  aweary 

With  heavier  woe, 
Droop  'mid  the  darkness — 

Go  comfort  them,  go  I 

Bury  thy  sorrow, 

Let  others  be  blest ; 
Give  them  the  sunshine, 

Tell  Jesus  the  rest 


A   PSALM  FOR  NEW  YEARS  EVE 

A  FRIEND  stands  at  the  door ; 
In  either  tight-closed  hand 
Hiding  rich  gifts,  three  hundred  and  three-score ; 

Waiting  to  strew  them  daily  o'er  the  land 
Even  as  seed  the  sower. 
Each  drop  he  treads  it  in  and  passes  by : 
It  cannot  be  made  fruitful  till  it  die. 

Oh,  good  New  Year,  we  clasp 
Th\a  warm  shut  hand  of  thine  t 


190        ^  PSALM  FOR  NEW  TEAR'S  EYE. 


Loosing  forever,  with  half-sigh,  half-grasp, 
That  which  from  ours  falls  like  dead  fingers' 
twine: 

Ay,  whether  fierce  its  grasp 
Has  been,  or  gentle,  having  been,  we  know 
That  it  was  blessed ;  let  the  Old  Year  go. 

Oh,  New  Year,  teach  us  faith  1 

The  road  of  life  is  hard ; 
When  our  feet  bleed,  and  scourging  winds  us 
scathe, 
Point  thou  to   Him  whose  visage  was  more 
marred 
Than  any  man's  ;  who  saith 
"  Make  straight  paths  for  your  feet — "  and  to 

the  opprest — 
u  Come  ye  to  Me,  and  I  will  give  you  rest." 

Yet  hang  some  lamp-like  hope 

Above  this  unknown  way, 
Kind  year,  to  give  our  spirits  freer  scope, 

And  our  hands  strength  to  work  while  it  is  jay 
But  if  that  way  must  slope 

Tomb  ward,  oh,  bring  before  our  fading  eyes 

The  lamp  of  life,  the  Hope  that  never  dies  1 

Comfort  our  souls  with  love, — 
IjOvo  of  all  human  kind  t 


TEE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY.  \§\ 

Love  special,  close — in  which  like  sheltered  dove 
Each  weary  heart  its  own  safe  nest  may  find ; 

And  love  that  turns  above 

Adoringly :  contented  to  resign 

All  loves,  if  need  be,  for  the  Love  Divine. 

Friend,  come  thou  like  a  friend, 

And  whether  bright  thy  face, 
Or  dim  with  clouds  we  cannot  comprehend, — 

We'll  hold  our  patient  hands,  each  in  his  place, 
And  trust  thee  to  the  end ; 

Knowing  thou  leadest  onwards  to  those  sphere! 

Where  there  are  neither  days,  nor  months,  noi 
years. 


TEE    CELESTIAL    COUNTRY. 

THE  world  is  very  evil  1 
The  times  are  waxing  late : 
Be  sober,  and  keep  vigil ; 

The  Judge  is  at  the  gate : 
The  Judge  That  comes  m  mercy, 

The  Judge  that  comes  with  might, 
To  terminate  the  evil, 

To  diadem  the  right. 
When  the  just  and  gentle  Monarch 

Shall  summon  from  the  tomb. 


192  THE  CELESTIAL  COUNTRY. 


Let  man,  the  guilty,  tremble, 

For  Man,  the  God,  shall  doom 
Arise,  arise,  good  Christian, 

Let  right  to  wrong  succeed ; 
Let  penitential  sorrow 

To  heavenly  gladness  lead ; 
To  the  light  that  hath  no  evening. 

That  knows  nor  moon  nor  sun 
The  light  so  new  and  golden, 

The  light  that  is  but  one. 
And  when  the  Sole-Begotten 

Shall  render  up  once  more 
The  kingdom  to  the  Father 

Whose  own  it  was  before, — 
Then  glory  yet  unheard  of 

Shall  shed  abroad  its  ray, 
Resolving  all  enigmas, 

An  endless  Sabbath-day. 
Then,  then  from  his  oppressors 

The  Hebrew  shall  go  free, 
And  celebrate  in  triumph 

The  year  of  Jubilee  ; 
And  the  sunlit  Land  that  recks  Dot 

Of  tempest  nor  of  fight, 
Shall  fold  within  its  bosom 

Each  happy  Israelite : 
The  Home  of  fadeless  splendor, 

Of  flowers  that  fear  no  thorn, 


THE  CELESTIAL  COUNTRY.  )93 


Where  they  shall  dwell  as  children^ 

Who  here  as  exiles  mourn. 
Midst  power  that  knows  no  limit, 

And  wisdom  tree  from  bound, 
The  Beatific  Vision 

Shall  glad  the  Saints  around : 
The  peace  of  all  the  faithful, 

The  calm  of  all  the  blest, 
Inviolate,  unvaried, 

Divinest,  sweetest,  best. 
Yes,  peace  !  for  war  is  needless, — 

Yes,  calm  1  for  storm  is  past, — 
And  goal  from  finished  labor, 

And  anchorage  at  last. 
That  peace — but  who  may  claim  it  I 

The  guileless  in  their  way, 
Who  keep  the  ranks  of  battle, 

Who  mean  the  thing  they  say : 
The  peace  that  is  for  heaven. 

And  shall  be  for  the  earth  : 
The  palace  that  re-echoes 

With  festal  song  and  mirth ; 
The  garden,  breathing  spices, 

The  paradise  on  high  : 
Grace  beautified  to  glory, 

Unceasing  minstrelsy. 
There  nothing  can  be  feeble. 

There  none  can  ever  mourn. 
17 


]94  TEE  CELESTIAL   COONTMF 

There  nothing  is  divided, 

There  nothing  can  be  torn ; 
'Tis  fury,  ill,  and  scandal, 

'Tis  peaceless  peace  below ; 
Peace,  endless,  strifeless,  ageless, 

The  halls  of  Syon  know : 
O  happy,  holy  portion, 

Refection  for  the  blest  • 
True  vision  of  true  beauty, 

Sweet  cure  of  all  distress  ! 
Strive,  man,  to  win  that  glory ; 

Toil,  man,  to  gain  that  light ; 
Send  hope  before  to  grasp  it, 

Till  hope  be  lost  in  sight : 
Till  Jesus  gives  the  portion 

Those  blessed  souls  to  fill, 
The  insatiate,  yet  satisfied, 

The  full,  yet  craving  still.' 
That  fullness  and  that  craving 

Alike  are  free  from  pain, 
Where  thou  midst  heavenly  citizen 

A  home  like  theirs  shalt  gain. 
Here  is  the  warlike  trumpet ; 

There,  life  set  free  from  sin  ; 
When  to  the  last  Great  Supper 

The  faithful  shall  come  in  : 
When  the  heavenly  net  is  laden 

With  fishes  many  and  great : 


TEE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY.  195 

80  glorious  in  its  fullness, 

Yet  so  inviolate : 
And  the  perfect  from  the  shattered, 

And  the  fall'n  from  them  that  stand, 
And  the  sheep-flock  from  the  goat-herd 

Shall  part  on  either  hand  : 
And  these  shall  pass  to  torment, 

And  those  shall  triumph,  then ; 
The  new  peculiar  nation, 

Blest  number  of  blest  men. 
Jerusalem  demands  them : 

They  paid  the  price  on  earth 
And  now  shall  reap  the  harvest 

In  blissfulness  and  mirth  : 
The  glorious  holy  people, 

Who  evermore  relied 
Upon  their  Chief  and  Father, 

The  King,  the  Crucified  : 
The  sacred  ransomed  number 

Now  bright  with  endless  sheen, 
Who  made  the  Cross  their  watch- word 

Of  Jesus  Kazarene : 
Who,  fed  with  heavenly  nectar, 

Where  foul-like  odors  play, 
Draw  out  the  endless  leisure 

Of  that  long  vernal  day : 
And  through  the  sacred  lilies, 

And  flowers  on  every  side, 


196  THE  CELESTIAL  COUNTBY. 

The  happy  dear-bought  people 

Go  wandering  far  and  wide. 
Their  breasts  are  filled  with  gladness. 

Their  mouths  are  tuned  to  praise, 
What  time,  now  safe  forever, 

On  former  sins  they  gaze  : 
The  fouler  was  the  error, 

The  sadder  was  the  fall, 
The  ampler  are  the  praises 

Of  Him  Who  pardoned  all. 
Their  one  and  only  anthem, 

The  fullness  of  His  love, 
WTio  giyes,  instead  of  torment, 

Eternal  joys  above : 
Instead  of  torment,  glory ; 

Instead  of  death,  that  lite 
Wherewith  your  happy  Country, 

True  Israelties  I  is  rife. 

Brief  life  is  here  our  portion  ; 

Brief  sorrow,  short-lived  care 
The  life  that  knows  no  ending 

The  tearless  life,  is  there. 
O  happy  retribution  ! 

Short  toil,  eternal  rest ; 
For  mortals  and  for  sinners 

A  mansion  with  the  blest ! 
That  we  should  look,  poor  wand'rera, 


im   CELESTIAL   COUNTRY,  \ 97 

To  have  our  home  on  high  ! 
That  worms  should  3eek  for  dwellings 

Beyond  the  starry  sky  ! 
To  all  one  happy  guerdon 

Of  one  celestial  grace  ; 
For  all,  for  all,  who  mourn  their  fall, 

Is  one  eternal  place : 
And  martyrdom  hath  roses 

Upon  that  heavenly  gr©und : 
And  white  and  virgin  lilies 

For  virgin-souls  abound. 
There  grief  is  turned  to  pleasure 

Such  pleasure,  as  below 
"No  human  voice  can  utter, 

No  human  heart  can  know  ' 
And  after  fleshly  scandal, 

And  after  this  world's  night, 
And  after  storm  and  whirlwind, 

Is  calm,  and  joy,  and  light. 
And  now  we  fight  the  battle, 

But  then  shall  wear  the  crown 
Of  full  and  everlasting 

And  passionless  renown : 
And  now  we  watch  and  struggle 

And  now  we  live  in  hope, 
And  Syon,  in  her  anguish, 

With  Babylon  must  cope : 

But  He  Whom  now  we  trust  in 

17+ 


198  THE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY. 


Shall  then  be  seen  and  known, 
And  they  that  know  and  see  Him 

Shall  have  Him  for  their  own. 
The  miserable  pleasures 

Of  the  body  shall  decay : 
The  bland  and  flattering  struggles 

Of  the  flesh  shall  pass  away : 
And  none  shall  there  be  jealous; 

And  none  shall  there  contend  ; 
Fraud,  clamor,  guile — what  say  I  ? 

All  ill,  all  ill  shall  end  ! 
And  there  is  David's  Fountain, 

And  life  in  fullest  glow, 
And  there  the  light  is  golden, 

And  milk  and  honey  flow  : 
The  light  that  hath  no  evening, 

The  health  that  hath  no  sore, 
The  life  that  hath  no  ending, 
But  lasteth  evermore. 

There  Jesus  shall  embrace  u&, 

There  Jesus  be  embraced, — 
That  spirit's  food  and  sunshine 

Whence  earthly  love  is  chased, 
Ajnidst  the  happy  chorus, 

A  place,  however  low, 
f  iiall  show  Him  us,  and,  showing, 

Shall  satiate  evermo. 


THE  CELESTIAL    COUNTRY.  199 


By  hope  we  struggle  onward. 

While  here  we  must  be  fed 
By  milk,  as  tender  infants, 

But  there  by  Living  Bread. 
The  night  was  full  of  terror, 

The  morn  is  bright  with  gladness 
The  Cross  becomes  our  harbor, 

And  we  triumph  after  sadness : 
And  Jestjs  to  His  true  one3 

Brings  trophies  fair  to  see : 
And  Jesus  shall  be  loved,  and 

Beheld  in  Galilee : 
Beheld,  when  morn  shall  waken, 

And  shadows  shall  decay, 
And  each  true-hearted  servant 

Shall  shine  as  doth  the  day 
And  every  ear  shall  hear  it : — 

Behold  thy  King's  array  ■ 
Behold  thy  God  in  beauty, 

The  Law  hath  past  away  ! 
Yes  !  God  my  King  and  Portion, 

In  fullness  of  His  grace, 
We  then  shall  see  forever, 

And  worship  face  to  face. 
Then  Jacob  into  Israel, 

From  earthlier  self  estranged, 
And  Leah  into  Rachel 

Forever  shall  be  changed  : 


200  THE  CELESTIAL    COD  NTS  7. 


Then  all  the  halls  of  Syon 
For  aye  shall  be  complete, 

And,  in  the  Land  of  Beauty 
All  things  of  beauty  meet. 


For  thee,  O  dear,  dear  Country  1 

Mine  eyes  their  vigils  keep  ; 
For  very  love,  beholding 

Thy  happy  name,  they  weep  s 
The  mention  of  thy  glory- 
Is  unction  to  the  breast, 
And  medicine  in  sickness, 

And  love,  and  life,  and  rest, 
0  one,  0  onely  Mansion  ! 

O  Paradise  of  Joy  ! 
Where  tears  are  ever  banished, 

And  smiles  have  no  alloy ; 
Beside  thy  living  waters 

All  plaD»s  are,  great  and  small, 
The  cedar  of  the  forest, 

The  hyssop  of  the  wall : 
With  jaspers  glow  thy  bulwarks  , 

Thy  streets  with  emeralds  blazo  * 
The  sardius  and  the  topaz 

Unite  in  thee  their  rays  : 
Thine  ageless  walls  are  bonded 

With  amethyst  unpriced : 


THE  CELESTIAL    COUNTRY,  201 

Thy  Saints  build  up  its  fabric, 

And  the  corner-stone  is  Christ. 
The  Cross  is  all  thy  splendor, 

The  Crucified  thy  praise : 
His  laud  and  benediction 

Thy  ransomed  people  raise : 
Jesus,  the  Gem  of  Beauty, 

True  God  and  Man,  they  sing 
The  never-failing  Garden, 

The  ever-golden  Ring : 
The  Door,  the  Pledge,  the  Husband, 

The  Guardian  of  his  Court : 
The  Day-star  of  Salvation, 

The  Porter  and  the  Port. 
Thou  hast  no  shore,  fair  ocean  ! 

Thou  hast  no  time,  bright  day  ! 
Dear  fountain  of  refreshment 

To  pilgrims  far  away  I 
(Jpon  the  Rock  of  Ages 

They  raise  thy  holy  tower : 
Thine  is  the  victor's  laurel, 

And  thine  the  golden  dower : 
rhou  feel'st  in  mystic  rapture, 

O  Bride  that  know'st  no  guile. 
The  Prince's  sweetest  kisses, 

The  Prince's  loveliest  smile  ; 
Unfading  lilies,  bracelets 

Of  living  pearl  thine  own ; 


202  THE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY. 


The  Lamb  is  ever  near  thee, 

The  Bridegroom  thine  alone ; 
The  Crown  is  He  to  guerdon. 

The  Buckler  to  protect, 
And  He  Himself  the  Mansion 

And  He  the  Architect. 
The  only  art  thou  needest, 

Thanksgiving  for  thy  lot : 
The  only  joy  thou  seekest, 

The  Life  where  Death  is  not 
And  all  thine  endless  leisure 

In  sweetest  accents  sings, 
The  ill  that  was  thy  merit, — 

The  wealth  that  is  thy  King's 

Jerusalem  the  golden, 

With  milk  and  honey  blest, 
Beneath  thy  contemplation 

Sink  heart  and  voice  oppressed  *. 
I  know  not,  O  I  know  not, 

What  social  joys  are  there ; 
What  radiancy  of  glory, 

What  light  beyond  compare  ! 
And  when  I  fain  would  sing  them, 

My  spirit  fails  and  faints ; 
And  vainly  would  it  image 

The  assembly  of  the  Saints, 
They  stand,  those  halls  of  Syon, 


THE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRi'.  203 


Conjubilant  with  song, 
And  bright  with  many  an  angel. 

And  all  the  martyr  throng  : 
The  Prince  is  ever  in  them ; 

The  daylight  is  serene ; 
The  pastures  of  the  Blessed 

Are  decked  in  glorious  sheen. 
There  is  the  throne  of  David, — 

And  there,  from  care  released. 
The  song  of  them  that  triumph, 

The  shout  of  them  that  feast : 
And  they  who,  with  their  Leader, 

Have  conquered  in  the  fight, 
Forever  and  forever 

Are  clad  in  robes  of  white ! 

0  holy,  placid  harp-notes 

Of  that  eternal  hymn  ! 
0  sacred,  sweet  refection, 

And  peace  of  Seraphim  ! 
0  thirst,  forever  ardent, 

Yet  evermore  content ! 
O  true  peculiar  vision 

Of  God  cunctipotent ! 
Ye  know  the  many  mansions 

For  many  a  glorious  name, 
And  divers  retributions 

That  divers  merits  claim : 


204  TffE   CELESTIAL   COUNTRY. 

For  midst  the  constellations 
That  deck  our  earthly  sky, 

This  star  than  that  is  brighter,— 
And  so  it  is  on  high. 


Jerusalem  the  glorious ! 

The  glory  of  th'  Elect  I 
0  dear  and  future  vision 

That  eager  hearts  expect ; 
Even  now  by  faith  I  see  thee ; 

Even  here  thy  walls  discern  : 
To  thee  my  thoughts  are  kindled. 

And  strive  and  pant  and  yearn : 
Jerusalem  the  onely, 

That  look'st  from  heaven  below. 
In  thee  is  all  my  glory ; 

In  me  is  all  my  woe  : 
And  though  my  body  may  not, 

My  spirit  seeks  thee  fain, 
Till  flesh  and  earth  return  me 

To  earth  and  flesh  again. 
O  none  can  tell  thy  bulwarks, 

How  gloriously  they  rise : 
')  none  can  tell  thy  capitals 

Of  beautiful  device : 
Thy  loveliness  oppresses 

All  human  thought  and  heart  * 


THE  CELESTIAL    COUNTRY  205 


And  none,  O  peace,  0  Syon, 

Can  singr  thee  as  thou  art. 
New  mansion  of  new  people, 

Whom  God's  own  love  and  light 
Promote,  increase,  make  holy, 

Identify,  unite. 
Thou  City  of  the  Angela  ! 

Thou  City  of  the  Lord ! 
Whose  everlasting  music 

Is  the  glorious  decachord  !* 
And  there  the  band  of  Prophets 

United  praise  ascribes, 
And  there  the  t^  elve-fold  chorus 

Of  Israel's  ransomed  tribes  : 
The  lily-beds  of  virgins, 

The  roses'  martyr-glow, 
The  cohort  of  the  Fathers 

Who  kept  the  faith  below. 
And  there  the  Sole-Begotten 

Is  Lokd  in  regal  state ; 
He,  Judah's  mystic  Lion, 

He,  Lamb  Immaculate. 
0  fields  that  know  no  sorrow  I 

O  state  that  fears  no  strife  ! 

•  Octachord.  With  reference  to  the  mystical  explanation 
whicb,  seeing  in  the  number  ten  a  type  of  perfection,  under 
tands  tne  "  instrument  of  ten  strings  w  of  the  perfect  harmony 
of  heaven. 


TEE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY. 


O  princely  bow'rs  !    O  land  of  flow'rs  I 
O  realm  and  home  of  life  ! 


Jerusalem,  exulting 

On  that  securest  shore, 
I  hope  thee,  wish  thee,  sing  thee, 

And  love  thee  evermore  I 
I  ask  not  for  my  merit : 

I  seek  not  to  deny 
My  merit  is  destruction, 

A  child  of  wrath  am  I : 
But  yet  with  Faith  I  venture 

And  Hope  upon  my  way ; 
For  those  perennial  guerdons 

I  labor  night  and  day. 
The  Best  and  Dearest  Father 

Who  made  me  and  Who  saved, 
Bore  with  me  in  defilement, 

And  from  defilement  laved : 
When  in  His  strength  I  struggle, 

For  very  joy  I  leap, 
When  in  my  sin  I  totter, 

I  weep,  or  try  to  weep  : 
And  grace,  sweet  grace  celestial. 

Shall  all  its  love  display. 
And  David's  Royal  Fountain 

Purge  every  sin  away. 


THE  CELESTIAL   COUNTRY.  20? 

D  mine,  my  golden  Syon  ! 

O  lovelier  far  than  gold  ! 
With  laurel-girt  battalions, 

And  safe  victorious  fold  : 
O  sweet  and  blessed  Country, 

Shall  I  ever  see  thy  face  ? 

0  sweet  and  blessed  Country, 
Shall  I  ever  win  thy  grace  ? 

1  have  the  hope  within  me 
To  comfort  and  to  bless  ! 

Shall  I  ever  win  the  prize  itself  \ 
O  tell  me,  tell  me,  Yes  1 

Exult,  0  dust  and  ashes  1 

The  Lord  shall  be  thy  part : 
His  only,  His  forever, 

Thou  shalt  be,  and  thou  art ! 
Exult,  0  dust  and  ashes ! 

The  Lord  shall  be  thy  part : 
His  only,  His  forever, 

Thou  shalt  be,  and  thou  art ! 


1 08  TAKE  HEART  OF  GRACE. 


"  TAKE  HEART  OF  GRACE." 

OH,  thou  !  who  tossing  on  life's  troubled  ocean, 
Mournest  the  hidings  of  thy  Father's  face, 
A  nd  comfortless,  amid  the  wild  commotion, 
Seekest  in  vain  some  quiet  resting-place ; 
Thou  weary,   fainting  soul !    "  take  heart  of 
grace." 

Look  up  !   when  storms  of  woe  are  round  thee 
sweeping, 
Learn  thou  in  all  thy  Saviour's  hand  to  trace  : 
Above  the  storm,  behind  the  dark  clouds,  keeping 
Ceaseless  watch  o'er  thee,  beams  my  loving  face ; 
Therefore,  thou  faithless  one !    take  heart  of 
grace. 

Not  all  the  fiercest  tempests  round  thee  blowing, 
Can  drive  thee  far  from  heaven's  sweet  resting- 
place  ; 

Not  all  the  floods  thy  sorrowing  soul  o'erflowing, 
Can  long  avail  to  hide  from  thee  my  face ; 
Therefore,  O  downcast  soul  1  take  heart  of  grace, 

Jh,  waste  no  more  thy  breath  in  weak  complain- 
ing ! 
Doubts  throw  aside  I     No  longer  thus  disgrace 
My  faithful  love  that  leading,  guiding,  training, 


TAKE  HEAR T  OF  GRACE.  209 


Perfects  thee  thus  for  my  own  dwelling-place, 
O  thou  rebellious  soul !  take  heart  of  grace. 

Hast  thou  not  seen  how,  for  some  precious  treasure, 
Men  beat  of  purest  gold,  a  goodly  case  ? 

Or  cut  for  fragrant  odors,  at  their  pleasure, 
Out  of  rough  stone,  a  rare  and  polished  vase  f 
O  thou  short-sighted  one  !  take  heart  of  grace. 

Like  them,  when  for  myself  I  am  preparing 
Out  of  the  soul,  a  fit  abiding-place ; 

I  hew  thee,  beat  thee,  till  I  see  thee  bearing 
My  image ;  and  my  perfect  likeness  trace  ; 
Therefore,  thou  chosen  one !  take  heart  of  grace. 

Oh  then,  be  of  good  courage  I  for  I  love  the*. , 
Gladly  and  cheerfully  each  cross  embrace, 

And  bear  it  manfully ;  for  soon  above  thee, 
Light  from  my  throne  each  cloud  away  shal] 

chase ; 
Therefore,  afflicted  one  !  take  heart  of  grace. 

Ajid  soon  Lite's  sorest  trials  passed  forever, 
Faultless  before  thy  and  my  Father's  face, 

I  will  present  thee  joyfully  ;  and  never 
Need  to  say  to  thee,  in  that  resting-place, 
O  weary,  fainting  soul !  take  heart  of  grace. 


21 0         BJSOjl  &SE  HE  FIRST  LC  VE3   US. 

For  e^ery  hour  of  that  blest  life  immortal, 
Thou  shalt  be  glad  my  guiding  hand  to  trace, 

That  made  thee  meet,  by  trials,  through  the  portal 
To  enter  in,  and  rest  in  my  embrace ; 
JTherefore,  look  upward!   and  take  heart  of 
grace. 


BECAUSE  HE  FIRST  LOVED    US 

I  LOVE  Thee,  O  my  God  !  but  not 
For  what  I  hope  thereby, 
Nor  yet  because  who  love  Thee  not 

Must  die  eternally. 
I  love  Thee,  O  my  God  !  and  still 

I  ever  will  love  Thee, 
Solely  because,  my  God,  Thou  art 
Who  first  hast  lovSd  me ! 

For  me,  to  lowest  depths  of  woe 

Thou  didst  Thyself  abase ; 
For  me  didst  bear  the  cross,  the  shame, 

And  manifold  disgrace ; 
For  me  didst  suffer  pains  unknown, 

Blooa-sweat  and  agony. 
Yea,  death  itself— all,  all  for  me  I 

For  me.  Thine  enemy  i 


SICK  AND  IN  PRISON.  2 1 1 


Then  shall  I  not,  O  Saviour,  mine  ! 

Shall  I  not  love  Thee  well  ? 
Not  with  the  hope  of  winning  heaven, 

Nor  of  escaping  hell ; 
Not  with  the  hope  of  earning  aught, 

Nor  seeking  a  reward ; 
But  freely,  fully,  as  Thyself 

Hast  lovSd  me,  O  Lord  ! 


SICK  AND  IN  PRISON. 

WILDLY  falls  the  night  around  me, 
Chains  I  cannot  break  have  bound  mc 
Spirits  unrebuked,  undriven 
From  before  me  darken  Heaven  ; 
Creeds  bewilder,  and  the  saying 
Unfelt  prayer  makes  need  of  praying. 

In  this  bitter  anguish  lying 

Only  Thou  wilt  hear  my  crying — 

Thou  whose  hands  wash  white  the  erring, 

As  the  wool  is  at  the  shearing, 

Not  with  dulcimer  or  psalter, 

But  with  tears,  I  seek  Thine  altar. 


2]  °  SICK  AND  IN  PRISON. 


Feet,  that  trod  the  mount  so  weaiy, 
Eyes,  that  pitying  looked  on  Mary, 
Hands,  that  brought  a  Father's  blessing, 
Heads  of  little  children  pressing ; 
Voice,  that  said,  "  Behold  thy  Mother," 
Lo  1  I  seek  ye,  and  none  other. 

Look,  O  gentlest  eye  of  pity, 
Out  oi  Zion,  glorious  city  ! 
Speak,  O  voice  of  mercy,  sweetly ! 
Hide  me,  hands  of  love,  completely. 
Sick,  in  prison,  lying  lonely, 
Ye  can  lift  me  up — Ye  only. 

In  my  hot  brow  soothe  the  aching, 
In  my  sad  heart  stay  the  breaking ; 
On  my  lips,  the  murmurs  trembling 
Change  to  praises  undissembling  ; 
Make  me  raise  as  th'  evangels, 
Clothe,  me  with  the  wings  of  angels. 

Power,  that  made  the  few  loaves  many, 
Power,  that  Messed  the  wine  at  Cana, 
Power,  that  said  to  Lazarus  "waken," 
Leave,  oh,  leave  me  not  forsaken, 
Sick,  and  hungry,  and  in  prison, 
Save  me,  Crucified  and  Risen  ! 


*JLS  ONE  WHOM  HIS  MOTHER  C0MF0RTET1I."2\§ 

"AS  ONE   WHOM  HIS  MOTHER    COM- 
FORTETHr 

'£  00  will  I  comfort  you,"  as  when  a  sobbing 

U        child 

Seeks  sweet  heart-comfort  on  its  mother's  treast ; 
By  her  caresses  fond  unconsciously  beguiled 

From  memories  of  pain,  soon  sinks  to  rest- 

"Ye  shall  be  comforted."    Our  hearts  are  faint 
and  sore. 
We  would  be  little  children  once  again ; 
But  childhood  would  bring  back  the  griefs  we 
knew  of  yore, 
But  not  the  mother  who  caressed  us  then. 

We  need  a  stronger  love,  we  seek  a  deeper  rest. 
Whose  type  and  earnest  we  once  knew  in  this ; 

The  nestling  of  the  child  upon  its  mother's  breast, 
The  sweet  dreams  won  us  by  her  "  good-nigiit " 
kiss. 

T»ord  !  grant  us  restful  sleep,  untroubled,  sweet 
and  calm, 

Not  fitful  slumbers  'mid  Life's  fevered  dream  ; 
Oh,  seal  our  weary  eyelids  with  thy  touch  of  balm 

Not  to  re-ope  until  the  Great  Day's  gleam. 


214" AS  ONE  WHOM  HIS  MOTHER  COMFORTETH.' 

And  yet  we  are  such  children,  foolish,  weak  and 
blind, 
That  while  we  long  for  sleep,  thy  gentle  hand 
May  change  the  calming  cup,  and  far  more  wise 
and  kind, 
Give  needed  bitterness  with  this  command  : 


u  Drink,  child  I"  Thy  Father's  love  shall  make  the 
unsought  draught 
Sweet  to  thy  soul,  though  bitter  to  thy  lips. 
Think,  how  for  thee,  thy  sinless  Elder  Brothel 
quaffed 
The  cup  thou  filled'st,  'neath  my  love's  eclipse. 

Ah,  Father  I  whatsoe'er  thy  children  truly  need 
Thou  givest,  not  whatever  they  implore. 

And  oft  we  grieving  think,  Thy  mercy  gives  no 
heed 
To  car  rash  pleadings,  when  our  hearts  are  sore. 

Fat  when  the  long  sad  lesson  we  have  learned  a 
length, 
And  with  unmurmuring  meekness  we  receive 
The  cup,  whose  bitter  draught  gives  new  and 
mighty  strength, 
We  own  Thy  wise  true  love,  and  no  more  grieve 


•ASONE  WHOM  BIS  MOTHER  C0MF0RTETH^2\b 


But  rest  in  patient  hope,  although  Thou  long  with- 
hold 
The  chalice.     Death  and  Life  brimmed,  chria- 
mal  seal 
Of  conquest  at  whose  touch  the  pearly  gates  un- 
fold, 
And  Heaven's  high  glories  to  the  soul  reveaL 

We  only  wait  as  minors,  till  the  glad  birth-day 
Shall  crown  us  kings  before  our  Father's  throne. 

As  princely  exiles  here,  we  struggle,  toil,  and  pray, 
With  eyes  by  watching  very  weary  grown. 

For  comfortless,  aye,  orphan'd,  Thou  dost  never 
make 
Thy  children.  Trusting  hearts  are  kept  in  peace, 
And  when  our  night-time  comes,  Thou'lt  bid  us 
sleep  to  wake 
Where  every  sob  is  hushed  and  sorrows  cease. 


916  MARY 


MARY. 

THE  box  is  not  of  stainless  alabaster 
Which  o'er  thy  feet  I  break ; 
Nor  filled  with  costly  ointment,  gracious  Master, 
Poured  for  Thy  sake. 

Nay,  rather  is  it  shapen  in  this  fashion — 

A  living  he&rt, 
Dashed  all  across  with  scarlet  stains  of  passion, 

And  broke  in  part ; 

While  from  its  open  wound  comes  softly  drippiDg 

Like  slow  tears  shed, 
Or  heavy  drops,  along  thy  footstool  slipping, 

Its  life-blood  red. 

It  needs  no  balm  of  myrrh  for  sweet  or  bitter, 

But  life  and  love  ; 
The  sad  conditions  make  mine  offering  fitter 

TI13  heart  to  move. 

From  all  these  claims  dj  cruel  wrong  and  anguish, 

This  load  of  grief 
Wherewith  my  soul  doth  pant,  and  mourn,  and  Ian- 


EVEX1XG.  217 

n  thy  far  home  is  not  thy  soul  still  tender 

For  mortal  woe  ? 
Gear'st  thou  not  still,  amid  that  spotless  splendor 

That  seraphs  know  ? 

'0,  turn  thy  human  eyes  from  heavenly  glory  1 

Say,  as  before, 
Those  tenderest  words  of  all  thy  Gospel  story : 

"  Go,  sin  no  more  I" 


EVENING. 

GENTLY  the  dew  falls  on  the  grass, 
The  winds  are  hushed  to  rest, 
And  softly  sinks  the  crescent  moon, 
Adown  the  quiet  west. 

And  one  by  one,  as  shadows  fall, 
The  stars  come  out  on  high, 

Till  in  full  brightness  spreads  unveiled, 
The  glory  of  the  sky, 

I  sit  upon  the  summer  hills, 

Far  from  the  noisy  throng, 
And  hear  the  modest  night-bird  s*ng 

Her  low  and  plaintive  song. 

The  little  streamlets  bright  and  clear 
Go  singing  on  their  way, 
10 


218  EVENING. 


While  countless  insect  voices  weave 
Their  never-ending  lay. 

0  God,  in  such  an  hour  as  this, 
How  yearns  the  soul  to  know 

The  mysteries  of  the  heavens  above 
And  of  the  earth  below  ! 

An  atom  in  the  boundless  whole, 
A  speck  upon  the  air, 

1  seem  as  one  engulfed  and  lost, 

Without  a  Father's  care. 

My  life  I  draw,  I  know  not  how. 

From  the  mysterious  past ; 
Before  me  stretches  all  unknown 

A  future  strange  and  vast. 

What  part  have  I  in  this  wide  ream  I 

What  place  have  I  to  fill  ? 
Or  can  the  smallest  issue  hang 

Upon  my  wavering  will  ? 

Yet  folded  in  these  shades  of  night, 

My  busy  thoughts  arise, 
To  range  afar  the  fields  of  earth, 

And  wander  through  the  skies. 


HIS  WAYS.  219 


Jg  there  a  hand  that  reaches  down 

From  out  thi3  vast  unknown  ? 
Is  there  a  love  that  beckons  me 

To  the  eternal  throne  ? 

I  ask  the  silent  stars  above, 

As  men  have  asked  of  old, 
No  voice  comes  from  them,  a3  they  look, 

On  mountains  still  and  cold. 

The  entrance  of  Thy  Word,  O  God  1 

Alone  can  break  this  night, 
And  shed  o'er  all  the  way  I  go, 

A  clear  and  living  light. 

By  faith,  I  take  that  blessed  Word 

And  follow  at  its  call ; 
The  God  who  made  the  heavens  and  earti^ 

Can  see  and  know  them  all. 


EI8   WA  YS. 

i  ASKED  for  grace  to  lift  me  high, 
Above  the  world's  depressing  cares , 
God  sent  me  sorrows — with  a  sigh 
T  said,  He  has  not  heard  my  prayers. 


HIS  WATS. 


I  asked  for  light,  that  I  might  see 

My  path  along  life's  thorny  road ; 
But  clouds  and  darkness  shadowed  me 

When  I  expected  light  from  Goci. 

I  asked  for  peace,  that  I  might  rest 

To  think  my  sacred  duties  o'er, 
When  lo  1  such  horrors  filled  my  breast 

As  I  had  never  felt  before. 

And  0  I  cried,  can  this  be  prayer 

Whose  plaints  the  steadfast  mountains  mov«*  1 
Can  this  be  Heaven's  prevailing  care ; 

And,  O  my  God,  is  this  Thy  love  ? 

But  soon  I  found  that  sorrow,  worn 
As  Duty's  garment,  strength  supplies, 

And  out  of  darkness  meekly  borne 
Unto  the  righteous  light  doth  rise. 

And  soon  I  found  that  fears  which  stirr'd 

My  startled  soul  God's  will  to  do, 
On  me  more  real  peace  conferr'd 

Than  in  life's  calm  I  ever  knew. 

Then,  Lord,  in  Thy  mysterious  ways 

Lead  my  dependent  spirit  on, 
And  whensoe'er  it  kneels  and  prays, 

Teach  it  to  say,  "  Thy  will  be  done!" 


IN  TEE  HARVEST  FIELD.  221 


Let  its  one  thought,  one  hope,  one  prayer, 
Thine  image  seek — Thy  glory  see ; 

Let  every  other  'wish  and  care 
Be  left  confidingly  to  Thee  1 


STRENGTH  FOR   THE  DAY. 

STRENGTH  for  the  day  !    At  early  dawn  I  stand, 
Helpless  and  -weak,  and  with  unrested  eyes, 
Watching  for  day.     Before  its  portal  lies 
A  low  black  cloud — a  heavy  iron  band  : 
Slowly  the  mist  is  lifted  from  the  land, 
And  pe  t\  and  amber  gleam  across  the  skies, 
Gladdening  my  upward  gaze  with  sweet  surprise ! 
I  own  the  sign :  I  know  that  He  whose  hand 

Hath  fringed  those  sombre  clouds  with  ruby  ray, 
And  changed  that  iron  bar  to  molten  gold. 

Will  to  my  wandering  steps  be  guide  and  stay — 
Breathe  o'ei  my  wavering  heart  His  rest  for  aye, 
And  give  my  waiting,  folded  palrns  to  hold 
His  blessea  morning  boon — strength  for  the  day 


IN  THE  HARVEST  FIELD. 

GLORY  to  Him  who  bids  the  field 
Its  blessing  to  our  toil  to  yield, 
Who  giveth  muc'j,  who  giveth  more, 
19* 


222  IN  THE  HA  R  VEST  HELD. 


Till  store  and  basket  runneth  o'er ; 
Thus,  ere  the  golden  skies  grow  dim, 
Come,  let  us  sing  our  Harvest  hymn. 

His  finger  on  the  land  doth  lay 
Its  beauty,  stretching  far  away ; 
His  breath  doth  fill  the  opal  skies 
With  grandeur  dread  to  mortal  eyes ; 
He  gives  man  harvest  from  the  wild, 
And  drops  the  daisies  for  the  child. 

But  oh,  how  shall  we  dare  draw  near  1 
riuch  power  is  veiled  in  mists  of  fear, 
What  can  we  be  to  One  who  fills 
The  awful  silence  of  the  hills, 
Who  knows  the  secrets  of  the  sea, 
The  wild  beasts  in  the  forests  free  ? 

But,  Lord,  we  know  Thee  otherwise — 
A  slighted  man,  with  loving  eyes, 
Toiling  along  with  weary  feet 
Such  paths  as  these  among  the  wheat ; 
Come  from  the  light  of  Heaven's  throne 
To  call  no  home  on  earth  Thine  own. 

O  Lord,  Thou  givest  bounteous  spoil 
To  the  poor  measure  of  our  toil, 
For  our  few  gray  dark  sowing  days 
The  glow  of  August's  evening  blaze. 


NOT  AS  TEE  WORLD  Q1VETR.  223 

And  what  can  we  give  for  the  pain 
With  which  Thou  sowed  immortal  grain  ? 

Nothing — for  all  we  have  is  Thine, 
Who  need'st  not  corn,  nor  oil,  nor  wine ; 
Nothing — unless  Thou  make  us  meet 
To  follow  Thee  through  tares  and  wheat, 
And  from  the  storm  of  wrath  and  sin 
To  help  Thee  bring  Thy  harvest  in. 


NOT  AS   THE   WOULD    GIVETH, 

CLEARER  than  vision  of  inspired  dreamer  J 
Dearer  than  hope  of  glories  yet  to  be  ! 
Fall  on  the  heart,  Thy  words,  0  blest  Redeemer — 
"  Not  as  the  world  giveth  give  I  unto  thee  I" 

Not  as  the  world  giveth,  though  her  fields  are  waving 
White  with  her  incense-flowers,  like  foam  upon  tha 

sea; 
Not  though  her  singing  birds  their  earth-born  songs 

are  saving 
'Till -in  the  upper  air  they  pour  them  out  to  Thee ; 

Not  though  the  fair  of  earth  still  with  sweet  en 

deavor, 
Set  firm  white  faces  'gainst  the  tide  of  wrong ; 


2524  NOT  AS  TEE  WORLD  GIVETH. 


Not  though  love's  monotone  and  children's  voices 

ever 
Hide  in  the  harmonies  of  earth's  purest  song ; 

Not  though  Faith,  victorious,  seizes  Earth's  high 

places, 
Sets  over  all  the  steady  star  of  Hope ; 
Not  though  Love  that  suffereth  and  is  kind,  her  traces 
Leaves  on  the  soul,  that  scarce  with  flesh  can  cope ; 

Not  with  earthly  splendor,  though  her  days  in  dying 
Lie  down  in  blue  and  gold,  and  wrap  themselves  in 

flame; 
Not  though  the  saints  of  God  in  her  still  valleys 

lying, 
Write  o'er  their  resting-places,  "  Hallowed  be  Thy 

name ;" 

Not  as  the  world  giveth,  though  her  trees  and 

grasses 
Climb  her  high  mountains  and  cluster  in  her  clouds  • 
Not  as  the  world  giveth,  though   her  fame,  that 

passes, 
Gilds  with  brief  glory  her  kings  in  purple  shrouds; 

Not  as  the  world  giveth,  though  her  hand  be  laden 
Heavy  with  the  jewels  earth  still  holds  for  man ; 
Not  as  the  wor.d  giveth,  though  a  "man  and  maiden 
Know,  for  a  moment,  more  than  angel  caru 


A  SAVIOUR'S  LOVX  225 


Not  such  as  these,  that  leave  no  sign  in  dying, 
Is  the  dear  Voice — we  know  it  to  be  true — 
That  through  the  ages  to  the  saints  is  crying, 
"  Not  as  the  world  giveth  give  I  unto  you." 


A   SAVIOUR'S  LOVE. 

U  T  OVE  I  Thee,  Lord  ?    How  much  love  I  ? 

JJ    Truly,  Lord,  I  cannot  tell." 
"  Yet  thou  lov'st  Me  ?"    "  Yes,  I  love  Thee, 
Love  Thee  passing,  passing  well. 

u  I  would  give  all  hoped-for  glory 
Gladly  yield  my  slender  all, 
To  behold  Thy  face  forever, 
At  Thy  blessed  feet  to  fall. 

u  Yes,  I  love  Thee  as  I  never 

Loved  upon  this  earth  before ; 
I  have  loved,  intensely,  wildly, 
Yet,  oh,  Lord  1  I  love  Thee  more." 

"  Try,  my  child,  My  love  to  measure." 

"  Rising  heights  each  height  transcend/5 

u  Sink  the  plummet  I"     "  Lord,  'tis  weary, 
And  it  cannot  find  the  end." 


RABB0N1. 


RABB  017 1. 

L 

0?  all  the  nights  of  most  mysterious  dread, 
This  elded  earth  hath  known,  none  matched 
in  gloom 
That  crucifixion  night  when  Christ  lay  dead, 
— Sealed  up  in  Joseph's  tomb  1 

ii. 

No  faith  that  rose  sublime  above  the  pain, 
Remembered  in  its  anguish  what  He  said; 

"  After  three  days  and  I.  shall  rise  again," 
— Their  hopeless  hearts  were  dead. 

in. 

Throughout  the  ghastly  "  Preparation  Day/' 
How  had  that  stricken  mother  dragged  her  breath 
Like  all  of  Adam  born,  her  God-given  lay 
Beneath  the  doom  of  death. 

rv. 

The  prophecy  she  nursed  through  pondering  year* 
Of  apprehension,  now  had  found  its  whole 

Fulfillment,  infinite  beyond  her  fears, 
— The  sword  had  pierced  her  soul  I 


RABBOJS'l.  227 


v. 

Hie  vehement  tears  of  Peter  well  might  flow, 
Mixed  with  the  wormwood  of  repentant  shame; 

Now  would  he  }ie«ld  his  life  thrice  told,  if  so 
He  might  confess  the  name 

VI. 

He  had  denied  with  curses.     Fruitless  were 
The  keen  remorses  now,  the  gnawing  smart ; 

A.  heavier  stone  than  sealed  the  sepulchre 
Was  rolled  above  his  heart. 

VII. 

Surprise  and  grief  and  baffled  hopes  sufficed 
To  rush  as  seas  their  souls  and  God  between ; 

Yet  none  of  all  had  mourned  the  buried  Christ-, 
As  Mary  Magdalene. 

vin. 
When  all  condemned — He  bade  her  live  again, 

When  all  were  hard — His  pity  moved  above 
Her  penitent  spirit,  healed  it,  cleansed  its  stain, 

And  made  it  pure  with  love. 

IX. 

And  she  had  broken  all  her  costliest  store 
O'er  him  whose  tenderness,  so  new,  so  rare, 

Stood  like  a  strong,  white  angel  evermore 
'Twixt  her  and  mad  despair. 


BABBONL 


x. 

And  He  was  dead  ! — Her  peace  had  died  with  him  ! 

The  demons  who  had  fled  at  his  control, 
With  sevenfold  chains  within  their  dungeons  dim,  * 

Would  henceforth  bind  her  soul. 


How  slowlj  crept  the  Sabbath's  endless  week  I 
What  aching  vigils  watched  the  lingering  day, 

When  she  might  stagger  through  the  dark  and  seek 
The  garden  where  He  lay  ! 

XII. 

And  when  she  thrid  her  way  to  meet  the  dawn, 
And  found  the  gates  unbarred, — a  grieving  moan 

Broke  from  her  lips — "  Who,"  for  her  strength  was 
"  Will  roll  away  the  stone  ?"  [gone — 

XIII. 

She  held  no  other  thought,  no  hope  but  this  ; 

To  look — to  touch  the  sacred  flesh  once  more, — 
Handle  the  spices  wuth  adoring  kiss, 

And  help  to  wind  him  o'er 

xrv. 
With  the  fair  linen  Joseph  had  prepared,— 

Lift  reverently  the  wounded  hands  and  feet, 
And  gaze,  one  blinded,  on  the  features  bared, 

And  drink  the  last,  most  sweet, 


RABBONL  229 

XV. 

Divine  illusion  of  his  presence  there ; 

And  then,  the  embalming  done,  with  cne  low  cry 
Of  utmost,  unappeasable  despair, 

Seek  out  her  home  and  die. 

XVI. 

Lo !  the  black  square  that  showed  the  opened  tomb ! 

She  sprang — she  entered  unafraid — and  swept 
Her  arms  outstretching,  groping  through  the  gloom, 

To  touch  Him  where  He  slept. 


Her  trembling  fingers  grasped  the  raiment  cold, 
Pungent  with  aloes,  lying  where  He  lay: 

She  smoothed  her  hands  above  it,  fold  by  fold, — 
Her  Lord  was  stolen  away  ! — 

XVIII. 

And  others  came  anon,  who  wept  him  sore, — 
Simon  and  John,  the  women  pale  and  spent 

"With  fearful  watchings ;  wondering  more  and  more 
They  questioned,  gazed, — and  went. 

XIX. 

Nor  thus  did  Mary.     Though  the  lingering  gloom 
Par  ed  into  brightness,  and  city's  stir 

Came  floating  upward  to  the  golden  tomb, 
There  was  no  da  \\  n  for  her : 
20 


230  RABBONI. 

XX. 

No  room  for  faintest  hopes,  nor  utmost  fears  ; 

For  when  she  sobbing  stooped,  and  saw  the  twain 
White-clothen  angels,  through  her  falling  tears, 

Sit  where  her  Lord  had  lain, — 

XXI. 

And  ask, — "  Why  weepest  thou  ?" — there  brake  no 
cry, 

But  she  with  deaden'd  calm  her  answer  made : 
u  Because  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I 

Know  not  where  He  is  laid.'' 

XXII. 

— Was  it  a  step  upon  the  dewy  grass  ? 

Was  it  a  garment  rustled  by  the  wind? 
Did  some  hushed  breathing  o'er  her  senses  pasa, 

And  draw  her  looks  behind  ? 

XXIII. 

She  turned  and  saw — the  very  Lord  she  sought — 
Jesus,  the  newly-risen  !  .  .  .  but  no  surprise 

Held  her  astound  and  rooted  to  the  spot ; 
Herfilin'd  and  holden  eyes 


Had  only  vision  for  the  swathed  form ; 

Nor  from  her  mantle  lifted  she  her  face, 
Nor  marveled  that  the  gardener's  voice  should  warm 

With  pity  at  her  case  ; — 


RABBONI.  231 

XXV. 

Till  sprang  the  sudden  thought,  "If  he  should 
know :" — 

And  then  she  turned  full  quickly :  "  Sir,  I  pray 
Tell  me  where  thou  hast  borne  Him,  that  I  may  go 

And  take  Him  thence  away." 

XXVI. 

The  resurrection-morning's  broadening  blaze 
Shot  up  behind,  and  clear  before  her  sight, 

Centered  on  Jesus  its  transfiguring  rays, 
And  hallowed  Him  with  light. 

xxvn. 

44  Mary  /" — The  measureless  pathos  was  the  same 
As  when  her  Lord  had  said — v4  Thou  art  forgiven  :y 

Had  he,  for  comfort,  named  her  by  her  name 
Out  from  the  height  of  heaven  ? 

XXVIII. 

She  looked  aloft — she  listened,  turned  and  gazed ; 

A  revelation  flashed  across  her  brow  ; 
One  moment,— and  she  prostrate  fell,  amazed,— 

"  Rablmil—It  %  Thou  J* 


232  TO  THEE! 


TO    THEE! 

1  BRING  my  sins  to  Thee, 
The  sins  I  cannot  count, 
That  all  may  cleansed  be 

In  Thy  once-opened  fount 
I  bring  them,  Saviour,  all  to  Thee  ; 
The  burden  is  too  great  for  me. 

My  heart  to  Thee  I  bring, 
The  heart  I  cannot  read  ; 

A  faithless,  wandering  thing, 
An  evil  heart  indeed. 

I  bring  it,  Saviour,  new  to  Thee, 

That  fixed  and  faithful  it  may  be. 

To  Thee  I  bring  my  care, 

The  care  I  cannot  flee ; 
Thou  wilt  not  only  share, 

But  take  it  all  for  me. 

0  loving  Saviour  !  now  to  Thee, 

1  bring  the  load  that  wearies  ma 

I  bring  my  grief  to  Thee, 

The  grief  I  cannot  tell ; 
No  words  shall  needed  be, 

Thou  knowest  all  so  well. 
I  bring  the  sorrow  laid  on  me, 
0  suffering  Saviour  I  all  to  Thee. 


INDWELLING.  233 


My  joys  to  Thee  I  bring, 

The  joys  Thy  love  has  given, 

That  eacli  may  be  a  wing 
To  lift  me  nearer  heaven. 

I  bring  them,  Saviour,  all  to  Thee, 

Who  hast  procured  them  all  for  me. 

My  life  I  bring  to  Thee, 

I  would  not  be  my  own  ; 
O  Saviour  !  let  me  be 

Thine  ever,  Thine  alone  ! 
My  heart,  my  life,  my  all  I  bring- 
To  Thee,  my  Saviour  and  my  King, 


INDWELLING. 

IN  unto  me,  Oh  Christ,  Divine  One,  come  ! 
I'll  open  wide  the  door.     Make  me  Thy  Tempi©, 
home. 
Cleanse  Thou  each  hidden  chamber  of  my  soul ; 
Cure  secret  sickness, — make  me  perfect, — whole. 
Cast  out — to  stay  cast  out — all  love  of  sin. 
Adorn,  with  Thine  own  hand,  the  dwelling-place 

within. 
Let  me  Thy  presence  feel.    Mine  eyes  Thy  glory  see 
My  guest,  abiding  guest,  oh  !  wilt  Thou  be  ? 
Spread  Thou  the  table ;  let  me  sup  with  Thee — 
Come  unto  me ! 


234  INDWELLING. 


Long  years  I've  wandeied  in  this  world  01  woe, 
In  by-paths  strange  and  devious  would  I  go ; 
"With  books  of  learning,  I  have  vainly  sought 
To  feed  my  soul — to  wholly  live  on  thought, 
Till  now  half  starved,  emaciate,  poor  and  lean, 
I  find  myself  all  naked,  sick,  unclean — 
Unfit  at  any  table  to  appear, 
Convulsed  by  doubts  and  sore  distressed  oy  fear; 
Yet  still  T  need  Thee,  Lord,  and  fain  would  be 
Thy  host  and  guest,  from  all  uncleanness  free : 

Come  unto  me  • 

Oh,  come  to  me  ! 

My  heart  I'll  open  wide.     There's  not  a  room, 
So  high  or  low,  but  to  it  Thou  shalt  come, 
From  attic  high  to  cellar  dark  and  drear, 
Where  oft  I've  sought  for  peace  or  fled  in  fear ; 
Where  e'en  my  dearest  friend  has  ne'er  been  bid ; 
Where  all  my  secret  motives  have  been  hid — 
All,  all — I  open  wide — the  house  is  Thine 
Within  to  dwell,  to  feast,  and  evermore  to  shine. 
Let  me  belong  to  Thee  !  and  be  Thou  mine, 
My  only  Guest — my  Deity ! — 
Come  unto  me ! 
Oh,  come  to  me. 

Henceforth  I  feast ;  but  at  no  cost  of  mine ; 
Henceforth  I  drink  life-giving,  heavenly  wine ; 
Henceforth,  with  flowers  are  crowned  my  ev°ry  «5up* 
Henceforth  with  Jesus  as  my  guest  I  sup  • 


WAIT  OX  TEE  LOUD.  235 

Henceforth  my  mind,  my  heart,  my  being  whole 

Is  made  a  glorious  palace  for  the  soul ; 

And  at  its  table,  most  divinely  spread, 

I  feast,  and  feast  again,  on  Living  Bread  ; — 

Nothing  to  hide, — there  is  no  future  dread  ; 

Here,  with  my  Friend,  my  Brother,  Priest  and  King, 

Joy  fills  my  every  sense.     His  praises  now  I  sing, 

And  day  by  day,  new  beauties  do  I  see, 

For  He  has  come  to  me, 

Even  unto  me. 


WAIT   ON  THE  LORD. 

ONE  touch  from  Thee — the  Healer  of  diseases ; 
One  little  touch  would  make  our  brother  whole ; 
And  yet  Thou  comest  not— O  blessed  Jesus  ! 

Send  a  swift  answer  to  our  waiting  soul. 
Full  many  a  message  have  we  sent,  and  pleaded 

That  Thou  wouldst  haste  Thy  coming,  gracious 
Lord ; 
Each  message  was  received,  and  heard,  an  1  heeded, 

And  yet  we  welcome  no  responsive  word. 
We  know  that  Thou  art  blessing  whilst  withh  aiding  • 

We  know  that  Thou  art  near  us,  though  apart ; 
And  though  we  list  no  answer,  Thou  art  folding 

Our  poor  petitions  to  thy  smitten  heart. 
A  bright  and  glorious  answer  is  preparing, 

Hid  in  the  heights  of  love — the  depths  of  grace; 
We  know  that  Thou,  the  Risen,  still  art  bearing 

Our  cause  as  Thiae  within  the  holy  place 


236  MY  PRATER. 


And  so  we  trust  our  pleadings  to  Thy  keeping ; 

So  at  Thy  feet  we  lay  our  burden  down ; 
Content  to  bear  the  earthly  cross,  with  weeping, 

Till  at  Thy  feet  we  cast  the  heavenly  crown. 


MY  PEA  TEE. 

GIVE  me  a  song,  and  I  will  sing  it ! 
Give  me  an  offering,  I  will  bring  it! 
Give  me  Thyself,  and  I  will  take  Thee  ! 
Withdraw  Thyself,  and  I  forsake  Thee  ! 
My  land  lies  fallow  :  Master,  till  me  ! 
My  heart  lies  empty  :  Master,  fill  me  I 
It  plays  the  traitor  :  Master,  win  me  ! 
It  faints  !  it  dies  1     Put  new  life  in  me  I 
It  goes  astray  :  good  Shepherd,  lead  me  ! 
It  sighs  for  hunger  :  come  and  feed  me  ! 
It  is  so  poor  !     Give  riches  to  me  ! 
It  is  corrupt:  0  Lord,  renew  me  ! 
So  ignorant !     Oh  1  wilt  Thou  teach  me  ? 
Has  wandered  far  !     But  Thou  canst  reach  me  l 
Is  sore  diseased :  Physician,  heal  me  I 
Exposed  to  danger  :  oh,  conceal  me  ! 
It  trembles  i     In  Thine  arms,  oh,  fold  me  ! 
Begins  to  sink  1     O  Saviour,  hold  me  ! 
Is  sinking  fast !    Lord,  look  upon  me  ! 
So  cold  and  dark  !     Oh,  shine  upon  me  ! 
A  poor,  lost  sinner  1     Come  and  find  me  I 


LIGHT  OF  THE  WORLD.  237 


A  rebel !     May  Thy  love  now  bind  rue  ! 

A  prodigal  1     Wilt  Thou  receive  me  ? 

A  beggar  1     Oh  i  wilt  Thou  relieve  me  ? 

A  backslider  !     Wilt  Thou  restore  me  ? 

Unholy  !     May  Thy  presence  awe  me  1 

Unfit  to  die  !     O  God,  prepare  me  ! 

So  weak  !     On  eagles'  wings,  oh,  bear  me ! 

So  comfortless  !     Lord  Jesus,  cheer  me  ! 

So  lonely  !     God  of  love,  draw  near  me  ! 

By  sin  accused  !     Good  Lord,  acquit  me  1 

Unfit  for  Heaven's  pure  service  !     Fit  me  1 

Unfit  for  work  on  earth  !     But  use  me  ! 

A  suppliant !     Do  not  Thou  refuse  me  1 

Oh !  come  and  fill  the  hungry  with  good  things 

For  Thou  hast  all  I  need,  Thou  King  of  kings  f 


LIGHT  OF  THE   WORLD. 

LIGHT  of  the  World  !  to  Thee  I  come  1 
All  da:k  with  sin  am  I ; 
Yet  id  thy  light  my  childhood's  home, 
Long  lost :  now  through  the  earth  I  roam 
A  stranger,  wearily. 

Though  I  am  dark,  Thou  seest  me, 

And  knowest  all  my  sin  ; 
I  cannot  hide  one  thought  from  Thee — 
Nor  would  I,  Lord  !     O  search,  and  se€ 

All  that  lies  hid  within  ! 


238  *TCT  LOST. 


Unless  1  know  my  Father  knows 
The  worst  that  I  have  done, 

How  can  I  bear  the  love  He  shows  ? 

How  take  the  gift  that  love  bestows 
On  such  a  guilty  one  ? 

My  Father,  lo,  all  doubting  dies  ! 

I  know  that  Thou  canst  see. 
Outspread  before  Thy  glorious  eyes 
My  present,  past,  and  future  lies  ; 

And  yet  Thou  lovest  me ! 


NOT   LOST. 

THE  look  of  sympathy,  the  gentle  word, 
Spoken  so  low  that  only  angels  heard ; 
The  secret  art  of  pure  self-sacrifice, 
Unseen  by  men  but  marked  by  angels'  eyes ; 
These  are  not  lost. 

The  sacred  music  of  a  tender  strain, 
Wrung  frcm  a  poet's  heart  by  grief  and  pain 
And  chanted  timidly,  with  doubt  and  fear, 
To  busy  crowds  who  scarcely  pause  to  hear, 
It  is  not  lost. 


JERUSALEM  aBOVI   lb  FREE.  2Sb 


The  praters  that  rise  like  incense  from  the  soul, 
Longing  for  Christ  to  make  it  clean  and  whole ; 
These  are  not  lost. 

The  happy  dreams  that  gladdened  all  our  youth, 
When  dreams  had  less  of  self  and  more  of  truth 
The  childlike  faith,  so  tranquil  and  so  sweet. 
Which  sat  like  M»ry  at  the  Master's  feet; 
These  are  not  lost. 

The  kindly  plans  devised  for  others'  good, 
So  seldom  guessed,  so  little  understood ; 
The  quiet,  steadfast  love  that  strove  to  win 
Some  wanderer  from  the  woeful  ways  of  sin ; 
These  are  not  lost. 

Not  lost,  0  Lord,  for  in  Thy  city  bright, 
Our  eyes  shall  see  the  past  by  clearer  light ; 
And  things  long  hidden  from  our  gaze  below, 
Th:u  wilt  reveal,  and  we  shall  surely  know 
They  were  not  lost. 


JERUSALEM  ABOVE  IS  FREE 

I  WOULD  not  stay  the  years  that  wing, 
Howe'er  my  lot  be  cas;. 
Nor  say,  O  sun,  look  back,  and  bring 
One  day  from  out  the  past. 


240  JERUSALEM  ABJVE  IS  FRES. 


He  ever  will  my  portion  be 

Whose  goodness  I  recall — 
Jerusalem  above  is  free, 

And  mother  of  us  all. 

Free  are  her  happy  gates  to  prayer. 

And  open  night  and  day, 
The  holy  lyres  are  tuneful  there 

When  earthworo  pilgrims  pray ; 
There  wakes  the  strain  of  jubilee 

When  helpless  sinners  call — 
Jerusalem  above  is  free, 

And  mother  of  us  all. 

Free  are  the  fadeless  bowers  of  rest, 

And  free  their  joys  untold, 
Free  are  the  mansions  of  the  blest, 

And  free  the  streets  of  gold. 
Though  hiddeD  long  the  glories  be 

Salvatio'i  is  the  wall — 
Jerusalem  above  is  free, 

And  mother  of  us  alL 

Home  of  my  soul !     I  praise  the  Lord 

That  made  thy  comforts  free, 
And  led  me  by  His  faithful  word 

To  seek  my  rest  in  Thee  1 
Though  circumscribed  my  way  may  bv, 

I  know,  whate'er  befall, 
Jerusalem  above  is  free, 

And  mother  of  us  all 


LIVING  WATERS.  241 


I  would  not  stay  the  years  that  wing, 

Howler  my  lot  be  cast, 
Nor  say,  0  sun,  look  back,  and  bring 

One  day  from  out  the  past. 
He  ever  will  my  portion  be 

Whose  goodness  I  recall — 
Jerusalem  above  is  free, 

And  mother  of  us  all. 


LIVING    WATERS. 

THERE  are  some  hearts  like  wells,  green-mossed 
and  deep 
As  ever  summer  saw ; 
And  cool  their  water  is — yea,  cooi  and  sweet ; — 

But  you  must  come  to  draw. 
They  hoard  not,  yet  they  rest  in  calm  content, 

And  not  unsought  will  give  ; 
They  can  be  quiet  with  their  wealth  unspent, 
So  self-contained  they  live. 

And  there  are  some  like   springs,  that  bubbling 

To  follow  dusty  ways,  [burst 

And  run  with  offered  cup  to  quench  his  thirst 

Where  the  tired  traveler  strays  : — 
That  never  ask  the  meadows  if  they  want 

What  is  their  joy  to  give  — 
Unasked,  their  lives  to  other  life  they  grant — 

So  self-bestowed  they  live  I 
21 


242  AT  EVENING. 

And  One  is  like  the  ocean,  deep  and  wide, 

Wherein  all  waters  fall ; 
That  girdles  the  broad  earth,  and  draws  the  tide, 

Feeding  and  bearing  all. 
That  broods  the  mists,  that  sends  the  clouds  abroad 

That  takes,  again  to  give  ; 
Even  the  great  and  loving  heart  of  God, 

Whereby  all  love  doth  live. 


A  T  EVENING. 

UNDER  Thy  loving  care 
Another  day  has  past ; 
Its  sacrifice  I  bear 
To  Thee  at  last. 

Thou  knowest  every  cross, 
Each  pleasure  and  each  pain ; 

Thou  seest  what  is  los9, 
And  what  is  gain. 

These  tangled  threads  of  life 

Thou  holdest  in  thy  hand, 
And  thou  their  seeming  strife 

Dost  understand. 

So  in  thy  loving  care 

I  rest  secure,  forgiven  ; 
Thou  wilt  the  morrow's  work  prepare, 

Or  give  me  Heaven. 


MY  CfiOSb  243 


MY  CB0S8. 


IT  is  not  heavy  agonizing  woe. 
Bearing  me  down  with  hopeless,  crushing  weight 
No  ray  of  comfort  in  the  gathering  gloom ; 
A  heart  bereaved,  a  household  desolate. 

It  is  not  sickness  with  her  withering  hand, 
Keeping  me  low  upon  a  couch  of  pain  ; 
Longing  each  morning  for  the  weary  night, 
At  night  for  weary  day  to  come  again. 

It  is  not  poverty  with  chilling  blast, 
The  sunken  eye,  the  hunger-wasted  form  ; 
The  dear  ones  perishing  for  lack  of  bread, 
With  no  safe  shelter  from  the  winter's  storm. 

It  is  not  slander  with  her  evil  tongue  ; 
'T*!s  not  "  presumptuous  sins  v  against  my  God ; 
Not  reputation  lost,  nor  friends  betrayed  ; 
That  such  is  not  my  cross,  I  thank  my  God. 

£iine  is  a  daily  cross  of  petty  cares, 
Of  little  duties  pressing  on  my  heart. 
Of  little  troubles  hard  to  reconcile, 
Of  inward  troubles  overcome  in  part. 

My  teet  are  weary  in  their  daily  rounds, 
My  heart  is  weary  of  its  daily  care, 


24:4  ALOIs E  WITH  GOJJ. 

My  sinful  nature  often  doth  rebel : 

I  pray  for  grace  my  daily  cross  to  bear. 

It  is  not  heavy,  Lord,  ytt  oft  I  pine ! 

rt  is  not  heavy,  but  'tis  everywhere ; 

By  day  and  night  each  hour  my  cross  I  Dear, 

I  dare  not  lay  it  down — Thou  keep'st  it  there. 

I  dare  not  lay  it  down  ;  I  only  ask 
That,  taking  up  my  daily  cross,  I  may 
Follow  my  Master,  humbly,  step  by  step, 
Through  clouds  and  darkness  unto  perfect  day. 


ALONE  WITH  GOD. 

ALONE  with  Thee,  my  God  !  alone  with  Thee  ! 
Thus  wouldst  Thou  have  it  still— thus  let  it  be 
There  is  a  secret  chamber  in  each  mind, 

Which  none  can  find 
But  He  who  made  it — none  beside  can  know 

It3  joy  or  woe. 
Oft  may  I  enter  it  oppressed  by  care, 

And  find  Thee  there ; 
So  full  of  watchful  love,  Thou  know'st  the  why 

Of  every  sigh. 
Then  all  Tny  righteous  dealings  shall  I  see, 
A.lone  with  Thee,  my  God  1  alone  with  Thes. 


ALONE  WITH  GOD.  245 


The  joys  of  earth  are  like  a  summer's  da  y, 

Fading  away ; 
But  in  the  twilight  we  may  better  trace 

Thy  wondrous  grace. 
The  homes  of  earth  are  emptied  oft  by  death 

With  chilling  breath ; 
The  loved  departed  guest  may  ope  no  more 

The  we  1-knowa  door ; 
Still  in  that  chamber  seal'd  Thou'lt  dwell  with  me, 
And  I  with  Thee,  my  God  !  alone  with  Thee. 

The  world's  false  voice  would  bid  me  enter  not 

That  hallowed  spot ; 
And  earthly  thoughts  would  follow  on  the  track 

To  hold  me  back, 
Or  seek  to  break  the  sacred  peace  within 

With  this  world's  din. 
But,  by  Thy  grace,  I'll  cast  them  all  aside, 

Whate'er  betide ; 
And  never  let  that  cell  deserted  be, 
Where  I  may  dwell  alone,  my  God,  with  Thee. 

The  war  may  rage !— keep  Thou  the  citadel, 

And  all  is  welL 
And  when  1  learn  the  fullness  of  Thy  love 

With  Th?e  above- 
When  every  heart  oppressed  by  hidden  grief 

Shall  gain  relief— 
21* 


246        THE  BATTLE  FOUGHT  AND  WON 

When  every  weary  soul  shall  find  its  rest 

Amidst  the  blest — 
Then  all  my  heart,  from  sin  and  sorrow  tree, 
Shall  be  a  temple  meet,  my  God,  for  Thee  I 


THE  BATTLE  FOUGHT  AND  WON. 

COME,  Lord,  and  fight  the  battle, 
My  hands  are  tired  and  faint : 
I  have  no  strength  to  struggle, 

"  Consider  my  complaint." 
One  of  Thy  weakest  soldiers 

Is  weary  in  the  field, — 
Yet  Thine  is  all  the  victory, 
Thy  love  is  all  my  shield. 

'Tis  not  that  1  am  weary 

Of  service  done  for  Thee ; — 
'Tis  not  that  I  would  alter 

Thy  loving  will  for  me — 
Sweet  is  the  vineyard  labor, 

Through  all  the  toil  and  heat ; 
And  sweet  the  lonely  night-watch 

Safe  resting  at  Thy  feet. 

Yet,  Lord,  there  is  a  warfare 

No  eye  but  Thine  may  sec ; 
Oh,  hear  my  cry  for  succor, 

Come  Thou,  and  light  for  lixc. 


THE  BATTLE  FOUGHT  AND  WON.        2A1 


The  ?elf  I  cannot  conquer, 
The  will  that  still  is  mine, 

Oh,  take  them  both,  Lord  Jesus, 
And  make  them  one  with  Thine. 

Take  them  !  I  cannot  yield  them — 

I  am  not  what  I  seemed : 
I  have  no  power,  Lord  Jesus, 

To  do  what  once  I  dream'cL 
The  yearning  of  the  earth-life, 

Is  stronger  than  my  strength ; 
When  may  the  spell  be  broken, 

And  freedom  come  at  length  ? 

Like  dew  on  drooping  blossoms, 

Like  breath  from  holy  place, 
Laden  with  health  and  healing 

Come  Thy  deep  words  of  grace  - 
3  Thy  strength  is  all  in  leaning, 

On  One  who  fights  for  thee ; 
Thine  is  the  helpless  clinging. 

And  Mine  the  victory." 


348  NOT  KNOWING. 


NOT  KNOWING. 

I  KNOW  not  what  will  befall  me  !     God  hangs  a 
mist  o'er  my  eyes ; 
And  o'er  each  step  of  my  onward  path  He  makes 

new  scenes  to  rise, 
And  every  joy  He  sends  me  comes  as  a  sweet  and 
glad  surprise. 

I  see  not  a  step  before  me,  as  I  tread  the  days  of 

the  year, 
But  the  past  is  still  in  God's  keeping,  the  future 

His  mercy  shall  clear, 
And  what  looks  dark  in  the  distance,  may  brighten 

as  I  draw  near. 

For  perhaps  the  dreadful  future  has  less  bitterness 

than  I  think ; 
The  Lord  may  sweeten  the  water  before  I  stoop  to 

drink. 
Or,  if  Marah  must  be  Marah,  He  will  stand  beside 

its  brink. 

It  may  be  there  is  waiting  for  the  coming  of  my 

feet 
Some  gift  of  such  rare  blessedness,  some  joy  so 

strangely  sweet, 
That  my  lips  can  only  tremble  with  the  thanks  I 

cannot  speak. 


MY  APPOINTED  TIME.  249 


0  restful,  blissful   ignorance  !     'Tis  blessed  not  to 

know ; 
It  keeps  me  quiet  in  those  arms  which  will  not  let 

me  go, 
And  hushes  my  soul  to  rest  on  the  bosom  whicb 

loves  me  so. 

So  I  go  on  not  knowing.     I  would  not  if  I  might ; 

1  would  rather  walk  in  the  dark  with  God,  than  go 

alone  in  the  light, 
I  would  rather  walk  with  Him  by  faith,  than  walk 
alone  by  sight. 

My  heart  shrinks  back  from  trials  which  the  future 

may  disclose, 
Yet  I  never  had  a  sorrow  but  what  the  dear  Lord 

chose; 
Bo  I  send  the  coming  tears  back,  with  the  whia 

pered  word,  "  He  knows." 


MY  APPOINTED   TIME. 

I  THOUGHT  me  near  tne  pearly  gate, 
I  thought  I  heard  the  Master  call; 
But  I  was  wrong,  and  I  must  wait : 
Not  yet  1  I  have  not  suffered  all. 

I  thought  I  heard  the  angel's  song, 
That  breaks  like  some  eternal  sea : 


250  MY  A1J>0INTED  TIME. 

I  thought  I  saw  the  countless  throng 
Bending  to  God  the  rev'rent  knee. 

I  thought  I  knew  the  sainted  face 
Of  many  here  whom  I  had  known  ; 

But  glorified  with  some  new  grace, 
And  into  Jesus'  likeness  grown. 

And,  oh,  I  thought  the  kingly  One, 
My  soul  delights  its  Lord  to  call, 

Rose  on  my  being  like  a  sun  ; 
And  like  a  sun  outshone  them  all 

But  I  was  wrong ;  I  am  not  ripe 

To  enter  on  my  endless  rest : 
Where  God's  own  hand  all  tears  shall  wipe, 

And  soothe  each  heavy-laden  breast. 

I  have  a  will,  yet,  of  my  own : 
The  Lord  has  work  for  me  to  do ; 

All  earthly  things  I've  not  outgrown, 
Nor  wholly  put  on  all  things  new. 

My  time  appointed  I  will  wait, 
Until  my  last  great  change  shall  come ; 

Then  He  will  open  wide  the  Gate, 
And,  satisfied,  I  shall  go  home. 


LET  ME  FIX D  TREE.  251 


LET  ME  FIND    THEE 

BEHOLD  me  here,  in  grief  draw  near, 
Pleading  at  Thy  throne,  0  King  ! 
To  Thee  each  tear,  each  trembling  fear, 

Jesus,  Son  of  Man  !  I  bring. 
Let  me  find  Thee— -let  me  find  Thee — 
Me,  a  vile  and  worthless  thing  ! 

Look  down  in  love,  and  from  above, 

With  Thy  Spirit  satisfy ; 
Thou  hast  sought  me,  Thou  hast  bought  me, 

And  Thy  purchase,  Lord,  mm  I. 
Let  me  find  Thee — let  me  find  Thee, 

Here  on  earth,  and  then  on  high  I 

No  other  prayer  to  Thee  I  bear, 

O  my  Lord,  but  only  this : 
To  share  Thy  grace,  to  see  Thy  face, 

And  to  know  Thy  people's  bliss. 
Let  me  find  Thee — let  me  find  Thee — 

Thee  to  find  is  blessedness  ! 

Hear  the  broken,  scarcely  spoken 
Utterance  of  my  heart  to  Thee ; 

All  the  crying,  all  the  sighing, 
Of  Thy  child  accepted  be. 

Let  me  find  Thee— let  me  find  Thee ; 
Thus  my  soul  longs  vehemently  I 


ENDURANCE 


Worldly  pleasures,  earthly  treasures, 
Joys  and  honors,  will  not  stay: 

They  often  pain,  and,  oh  !  how  Tain, 
Looking  to  eternity  ! 

Let  me  find  Thee — let  me  find  Thee — 
Find  Thee,  O  my  God,  this  day  I 


ENDURANCE. 

HO  W  much  the  heart  may  bear,  and  yet  not  break ! 
How  much  the  flesh  may  suffer,  and  not  die  t 
I  question  much  if  any  pain  or  ache 

Of  soul  or  body  brings  our  end  more  nigh. 
Death  chooses  his  own  time  ;  till  that  is  worn, 
All  evils  may  be  borne. 

We  shrink  and  shudder  at  the  surgeon's  knife ; 

Each  nerve  recoiling  from  the  cruel  steel, 
Whose  edge  seems  searching  for  the  quivering  life 

Yet  to  our  sense  the  bitter  pangs  reveal 
That  still,  although  the  trembling  flesh  be  torn, 
This,  also  can  be  borne. 

We  see  a  sorrow  rising  m  our  way, 

And  try  to  flee  from  the  approaching  ill. 

VTe  seek  some  small  escape — we  weep  and  pray — 
But  when  the  blow  falls,  then  our  hearts  are  still, 

Not  that  the  pain  is  of  its  sharpness  shorn, 
But  that  it  can  be  borne. 


READ  Y  FOR  ALL  !  253 


We  wind  oui  life  about  another  life — 
We  hold  it  closer,  dearer  than  our  own — 

Anon  it  faints  and  falls  in  deadly  strife, 
Leaving  us  stunned,  and  stricken,  and  alone; 

But  ah  I  we  do  not  die  with  those  who  mourn — 
This,  also,  can  be  borne. 

Behold,  we  live  through  all  things — famine,  thirst, 
Bereavement,  pain  !  all  grief  and  misery, 

All  woe  and  sorrow  ;  life  inflicts  its  worst 
On  soul  and  body —  but  we  cannot  die, 

Though  we  be  sick,  and  tired,  and  faint,  and  worn; 
Lo  I  all  things  can  be  borne. 


READY  FOR  ALL! 

it  T)EADY,  0  Master  1"  with  eager  lip 
JLl     We  cried  when  the  day  was  new ; 

"  And  whatsoever  Thy  high  commands, 
Thy  servants  are  waiting  with  willing  hands, 
Prepared  both  to  dare  and  to  do  1" 

4  Ready,  0  Master  I" — No  answer  came, 
As  we  waited  in  weariness  long : 
Had  He  scorned  the  hands  that  were  fain  to  bear 
Their  part  in  the  burden — fain  to  share 
In  the  battle,  the  triumph,  the  song  ? 
22 


£54  /  WOULD  HA  VE  GONE. 


44  Ready,  O  Master  1"  we  cried  once  more, 
As  the  long,  long  hours  went  by : 
*'  Tell  us  Thy  will !    Is  it  woe  or  shame  ; 
We  will  bear  them  both,  for  Thy  blessed  name, 
For  Thy  name  we  would  gladly  die." 

Softly  the  answer  came — "  O  child  1 

Not  such  is  My  will  for  thee, 
But  only  to  stand  in  thy  quiet  lot, 
Doing  its  duties  and  questioning  not 

What  the  wherefore  or  end  may  be." 

O  Infinite  love,  that  has  ordered  thus  ! 

Yet  oft  it  more  wearisome  seems 
Patiently  thus  to  be  serving  here, 
Than  to  carry  the  banner  and  sword  and  spear, 

And  fight  in  the  fields  of  our  dreams. 

Patience  I  O  questioning,  wavering  heart  \ 
Good  cheer  and  glad  courage  be  thine  I 
The  cup  of  cold  water  bestowed  in  His  name, 
Is  sweeter  than  sacrifice,  fairer  than  fame, 
And  the  service  itself  is  divine  1 


J  WOULD  HAVE   GONE. 

I  WOULD  have  gone,  God  bade  me  stay, 
I  would  have  worked,  God  bade  me  rest; 
He  broke  my  will  from  day  to  day ; 
He  read  my  yearnings  unexpressed, 
And  said  them  nay. 


ISlfJSMlStilGX.  251 


Now  I  would  stay,  God  bids  me  go, 
Now  I  would  rest,  God  bids  me  work ; 
He  breaks  my  heart,  tossed  too  and  fro  ; 
My  soul  is  wrung  with  doubts  that  lurk 
And  vex  it  so. 

I  go,  Lord,  where  Thou  sendest  me  ! 
Day  after  day,  I  plod  and  moil, 
But  Christ,  my  Lord,  when  will  it  be 
That  I  may  let  alone  my  toil, 
^nd  rest  with  Thee  ? 


SUBMISSION. 

GOD'S  right-hand  angel  bright  and  calm- 
Christ's  strengthener  in  the  agony — 
Teach  its  the  meaning  of  that  psalm 
Of  fullness  only  known  by  thee : 
"  Thy  will  be  done  !"     We  sit  alone, 
And  grief  within  oar  heart  grows  strong 
With  passionate  moaning,  'till  thou  come, 
And  turn  it  to  a  song. 

Come  when  the  days  go  heavily, 

Weighed  down  with  burdens  hard  to  bear; 

When  joy  and  hope  fail  utterly, 

And  leave  us  fronted  by  despair. 

Come  not  with  flattering  earthly  light — 


256  SUBMISSION. 

But  with  those  clear  grand  ej  es  that  see 
Beyond  the  dark,  beyond  the  bright, 
Straight  toward  Eternity . 

Teach  us  to  work  when  work  seems  vain. 
This  is  half  victory  over  fate — 
To  match  ourselves  against  our  pain  ; 
The  rest  is  done  when  we  can  wait. 
Unseal  our  eyes  to  see  how  rife 
With  bloom  this  thorny  path  may  be ; 
And  how  it  leads  to  heights  of  life 
Which  only  thou  canst  see. 

Content  thee — so  the  angel  saith — 
Thy  minor  makes  the  triumph  strain 
Sound  sweeter  on  celestial  breath — 
And  God  has  use  for  all  thy  pain. 
His  joy  thy  struggling  soul  may  reach ; 
From  the  strong  slain  comes  sweetness  still 
And  God  lets  suffering  only  teach, 
Some  best  revealings  of  His  will. 

Then  strike  within  our  hearts  the  key  ! 
Though  only  sorrow's  note  it  give, 
Yet  fit  us  for  Thy  Harmony, 
And  teach  us  how  to  live  ! 

O  patient  watcher  over  all ! 
If  broken  lives  may  best  complete 
Thy  circle,  let  our  fragments  fall 
An  offering  at  Thy  feet. 


'TWILL  N01  BE  LOJSTO.  257 


'TWILL  ROT  BE  LONG. 

5rp  WILL  not  be  long — this  wearying  commotion 
_L     That  marks  its  passage  in  the  human  breast 
And,  like  the  billows  on  the  heaving  ocean, 

That  ever  rock  the  cradle  of  unrest, 
Will  soon  subside  ;  the  happy  time  is  nearing, 

When  bliss,  not  pain,  shall  have  its  rich  increase, 
E'en  unto  Thee  the  dove  may  now  be  steering 
With  gracious  message.  Wait,  and  hold  thy  peace ; 
'Twill  not  be  long  I 

The  lamps  go  out ;  the  stars  give  up  their  shining ; 

The  world  is  lost  in  darkness  for  awhile ; 
And  foolish  hearts  give  way  to  sad  repining, 

And  feel  as  though  they  ne'er  again  could  smile. 
Why  murmur  thus,  the  needful  lesson  scorning  ? 

Oh,  read  thy  teacher  and  His  word  aright ! 
The  world  would  have  no  greeting  for  the  morning 

If  'twere  not  for  the  darkness  of  the  night ; 
'Twill  not  be  long  ! 

'Twill  not  be  long  ;  the  strife  will  soon  be  ended  ; 

The  doubts,  the  fears,  the  agony,  the  pain, 
Will  seem  but  as  the  clouds  that  low  descended 

To  yield  their  pleasure  to  the  parched  plain. 
The  times  of  weakness  and  of  sore  temptations, 

Of  bitter  grief  and  agonizing  cry ; 
"22* 


258  ' TVilLL  JSOT  BE  LONG. 


These  earthly  cares  and  ceaseless  tribulations 

Will  bring  a  blissful  harvest  by-and-by — 

'Twill  not  be  long  1 

Twill  not  be  long  ;  the  eye  of  faith  discerning, 

The  wondrous  glory  that  shall  be  revealed, 
Instructs  the  soul,  that  every  day  is  learning 

The  better  wisdom  which  the  world  concealed. 
And  soon,  aye,  soon,  there'll  be  an  end  of  teaching, 

When  mortal  vision  finds  immortal  sight, 
And  her  true  place  the  soul  in  gladness  reaching, 

Beholds  the  glory  of  the  Infinite. 
'Twill  not  be  long  ! 

"  'Twill  not  be  long  !  the  heart  goes  on  repeating  ; 

It  is  the  burden  of  the  mourner's  song; 
The  work  of  grace  in  us  he  is  completing, 

Who  thus  assures  us — M  It  will  not  be  long.* 
His  rod  and  staff  our  fainting  steps  sustaining  , 

Our  hope  and  comfort  every  day  will  be  , 
And  we  may  bear  our  cross  as  uncomplaining 

As  He  who  leads  us  unto  Calvary; 
Twill  not  be  long  1 


TEE  NOBLE  ARMY  OF  MARTYRS.         25£ 


THE  NOBLE  ARMY   OF  MART  YES 
PRALSE   THEE. 

NOT  they  alone  who  from  the  bitter  strife 
Came  forth  victorious,  yielding  willingly 
That  which  they  deem  most  precious,  even  life, 

Content  to  suffer  all  things,  Chri.-t,  for  Thee ; 
Not  they  alone  whose  feet  so  firmly  trod 

The  pathway  ending  in  rack,  sword  and  flame, 
Foreseeing  death,  yet  faithful  to  their  Lord, 

Enduring  for  His  sake  the  pain  and  shame. 
Not  they  alone  have  won  the  martyr's  palm, 
Not  only  from  their  lips  proceeds  the  eternal  psalm. 

For  earth  hath  martyrs  now,  a  saintly  throng, 

Each  day  unnoticed  do  we  pass  them  by; 
'Mid  busy  crowds  they  calmly  move  al^ng, 

Bearing  a  hidden  cross,  how  patiently  i 
Not  theirs  the  sudden  anguish,  swift  and  keen, 

Their  hearts  are  worn  and  wasted  with  small  careq, 
"With  daily  griefs  and  thrusts  from  foes  unseen, 

Troubles  and  trials  that  take  them  unawares  ; 
Theirs  is  a  lingering,  silent  martyrdom, 
They  w  eep  through  weary  years,  and  long  for  rest 
to  come. 

They  weep,  but  murmur  not ;  it  is  God's  will, 
And  they  have  learned  to  bend  their  own  to  HiB, 


260    BE  STILL,  AND  KNOW  THAT  I  AM  001). 


Simply  enduring,  knowing  that  each  ill 
Is  but  the  herald  of  some  future  bliss  ; 

Striving  and  suffering,  yet  so  silently 
They  know  it  least  who  seem  to  know  them  best^ 

Faithful  and  true  through  long  adversity, 
They  work  and  wait  until  God  gives  them  rest; 

These  surely  share  with  those  of  bygone  days, 

The  palm-branch  and  the  crown,  and  swell  their 
song  of  praise. 


PE  STILL,  AND  KNOW  THAT  I  AM  GOD. 

BE  still,  my  child! 
I  trod  this  way  beiore ; 
My  hand  shall  guide  thee  thro'  the  wild, 
Ask  nothing  more. 


Be  still,  my  child  ! 

I  love  thee  first  and  last, 
On  Me,  thy  Saviour  meek  and  mild. 

Thy  sorrows  cast. 

Be  stiii,  my  child  I 

Leave  all  thy  joys  and  fears, 
I  know  thy  hopes  and  longings  wild, 

I  see  thy  tears. 


Be  still,  my  child  i 
My  hand  shall  make  the  whole ; 


JESUS,  SAVIOUR,  rTLOT  MK  261 


From  every  sin  that  bath  defiled, 
Shall  cleanse  thy  soul. 

Be  still,  my  child  ! 

And  thou  shalt  feel  My  grace ; 
Come  with  a  spirit  meek  and  mild 

Before  My  face. 

Be  still,  my  child  I 

And  I  will  give  thee  peace  ; 
When  once  My  face  on  thee  hath  smiled. 

Thy  woes  shall  cease. 

Be  still,  my  child  ! 

Until  I  call  thee  Home, 
Then  from  thy  wandering  in  the  wild, 

Arise,  and  come  1 


JESUS,  SAVIOUR,  PILOT  ME. 

JESUS,  Saviour,  pilot  me 
Over  life's  tempestuous  sea  : 
Unknown  waves  before  me  roll, 
Hiding  rock  and  treacherous  shoal ; 
Chart  and  compass  came  from  Thee 
Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me. 

When  the  Apostles'  fragile  bark 
Struggled  with  the  billows  dark, 


962  JESUS,  SAVIOUR,  PTJ.OT  */& 


On  the  stormy  Galilee, 
Thou  didst  walk  upon  the  sea ; 
And  when  they  beheld  Thy  form, 
Safe  they  glided  through  the  storm. 

Though  the  sea  be  smooth  and  bright, 
Sparkling  with  the  stars  of  night, 
And  my  ship's  path  be  ablaze 
With  the  light  of  halcyon  days, 
Still  I  know  my  need  of  Thee  ; 
Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me  1 

When  the  darkling  heavens  frown, 
And  the  wrathful  winds  come  dowu, 
And  the  fietce  waves,  tossed  on  high, 
Lash  themselves  against  the  sky, 
Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me 
Over  life's  tempestuous  sea 

As  a  mother  stills  her  child 
Thou  canst  hush  the  ocean  wild ; 
Boisterous  waves  obey  Thy  will 
When  Thou  sayest  to  them,  u  Be  still/' 
Wondrous  Sovereign  of  the  sea, 
Jesu3,  Saviour,  pilot  me. 

When  at  last  I  near  the  shore, 
And  the  fearful  breakers  roar 
HVifct  me  and  the  peaceful  rest, 


DRAW  NIGH  TO  GOD,   ETC.  263 

Then,  while  leaning  on  Thy  breast, 
May  T  hear  Thee  say  to  me, 
*  Fear  not,  I  will  jAloi  thee  /" 


"DRAW  NIGH  TO  GOD,  AND  HE   WILL 
DBAW  NIGH  TO   YOU." 

OTEARY  and  faint 

VV      Our  garments  stained  with  sin  and  soiled 

with  tears — 
tfot  tears  that  fall  like  blessed  summer  rain, 

But  heavy  drops  of  pain, 
Wrung  from  the  heart's  deep  passion  and  distress, 
Wrung  from  the  yearning  of  its  tenderness — 
Thus — with  the  guilt  and  grief  of  days  and  years 
We  do  draw  nigh. 

Yes —  we  draw  nigh  ! 
We  are  not  worthy,  Lord,  to  seek  Thy  face — 
Not  worthy — for  our  need  is  all  our  plea — 

Yet  may  we  come  to  Thee — 
Nor  fear  to  bring  our  darkness  to  Thy  light, 
All  pure  and  holy  in  Thy  perfect  sight, 
Clad  in  the  white  robe  of  our  Saviour's  grace- 
So  we  draw  nigh. 

Yes,  we  draw  nigh — 
To  Thee,  the  Comforter,  we  come  for  peace, — 
Thou  knowest,  Lord,  our  weakness  and  our  fear, 

And  Thou  wilt  surely  hear, — 


TO  MYSELF 


Wilt  hear  .he  cry  that  from  life's  wild  wide  9ea 
Rises  from  hearts  that  only  cling  to  Thee ; — 
One  look,  one  word,  can  bid  our  anguish  ceasfi— 
So  we  draw  nigh. 

Thou  wilt  draw  nigh  I 
Father— it  is  no  dream  that  Thou  art  near — 
No  dream  that,  in  my  sin  and  misery, 

I  may  look  up  to  Thee, — 
May  hide  beneath  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings, 
From  all  the  restlessness  of  outward  things, 
And  from  my  own  heart's  self-accusing  fear — 

For  Thou  art  nigh  ! 


TO    MYSELF. 

LET  nothing  make  thee  sad  or  fretful, 
Or  too  regretful, 
Be  still ; 
What  God  hath  ordered  must  be  right, 
Then  find  in  it  thine  own  delight, 
My  will. 

Why  shouldst  thou  fill  to-day  with  sorrow 
About  to-morrow, 

My  heart  ? 
One  watches  all  with  care  most  true, 
Doubt  not  that  He  will  give  thee,  too, 

Thy  part. 


"  THE  L  OBD  KXO  WFTH. "  265 


Only  be  steadfast,  never  waver, 
Nor  seek  earth's  favor, 

But  rest : 
Thou  knowest  what  God  wills  must  be, 
For  all  His  creatures,  so  for  thee, 

The  best. 


"  THE  LORD  KNOWETH." 

THE  Lord  kjoweth  where  each  flower  groweth 
That  b.oometh  for  Him  'midst  these   earthly 
fields. 
Though  men  despise  it,  He  will  fondly  prize  it, 
Welcome  the  offering  that  its  fragrance  yields. 

The  Lord  knoweth  when  the  rough  wind  bloweth 

Upon  the  weary  and  the  laden  one ; 
With  tender  feeling  for  the  suppliant  kneeling, 

He  shields  and  strengthens  till  the  storm  is  done. 

The  Lord  knoweth  when  each  hot  tear  floweth 
From  eyes  of  those  who  suffer  while  they  pray. 

He  knows  their  sorrow,  in  the  glad  to-morrow 
Will  wipe  in  gentleness  those  drops  away. 

The  Lord  knoweth  when  each  servant  soweth 
With  heavy  heart  and  seemingly  in  vain  ; 

When,  after  sleeping,  there  will  come  the  reaping, 
Will  grant  glad  harvests  where  they  toiled  in  pain. 
23 


2m  QUESTS  OF  THE  HEART. 


The  Lord  knoweth  when  the  mourner  goeth 
To  weep  her  loneliness  by  cherished  grave. 

Unseen  He  speaketh  to  the  heart  that  breaketh  : 
"  I  can  lestore  him,  for  'tis  I  that  save." 

The  Lord  knoweth  when  the  wand'rer  throweth 
Some  little  incense  on  His  altar-fire ; 

Sees  his  contrition,  welcomes  his  petition, 
Tells  his  repentance  to  the  heavenly  choir. 

The  Lord  knoweth  when  the  slow  pulse  showet* 
Tha  we  are  drawing  near  to  Jordan's  strand 

When  our  heart  faileth,  then  His  strength  availeth, 
And  brings  us  safely  to  the  better  land. 

The  Lord  knoweth  !     If  your  faint  heart  trowetk 

It  is  una t red  for  by  its  God  above, 
Oh  !  doubt  no  longer,  but  in  this  be  stronger  : 

He  knoweth  all  things,  and  His  name  is  Love. 


GUESTS   OF  TEE  HEART, 

SOFT  falls  through  the  gathering  twilight 
The  rain  from  the  dripping  eaves, 
And  stirs  with  a  treuiulous  rustle 
The  dead  and  the  dying  leaves ; 
While  afar,  in  the  midst  of  the  shadows, 

I  hear  the  sweet  voices  of  bells, 
Oome  borne  on  the  wind  of  the  Autumn 
That  fitfully  rises  and  swells. 


QUESTS  OF  THE  HEART.  26? 


They  call  and  they  answer  each  other, 

They  answer  and  mingle  again, 
As  the  deep  and  the  shrill  in  an  antheru 

Make  harmony  still  in  their  strain 
As  the  voices  of  sentinels  mingle 

Tn  mountainous  regions  of  snow, 
Till  from  hill-top  to  hill-top  a  chorus 

Floats  down  to  the  valleys  below. 

The  shadows,  the  fire-light  of  even, 

The  sound  of  the  rain's  distant  chime, 
Come  bringing,  with  rain  softly  dropping, 

Sweet  thoughts  of  a  shadowy  time  ; 
The  slumberous  sense  of  seclusion, 

From  storm  and  intruders  aloof, 
We  feel  when  we  hear  in  the  midnight 

The  patter  of  rain  on  the  roof. 

When  the  spirit  goes  forth  in  its  yearnings 

To  take  all  its  wanderers  home ; 
Or,  afar  in  the  regions  of  fancy, 

Delights  on  swift  pinions  to  roam, 
I  quietly  sit  by  the  fire  light — 

The  fire-light  so  bright  and  so  warm — 
For  I  know  that  those  only  who  love  me 

Will  seek  me  through  shadow  and  storm* 

But  should  they  be  absent  this  evening, 
Should  even  the  household  depart, 

Deserted,  I  should  not  be  lonely, 
There  still  would  be  guests  in  my  heart. 


THE  JOYFUL  CALL. 


The  faces  of  friends  that  I  cherish, 

The  smile,  and  the  glance,  and  the  tone, 

Will  haunt  me  wherever  I  wander, 
And  thus  I  am  never  alone. 

With  those  who  have  left  far  behind  them 

The  joys  and  the  sorrows  of  time — 
Who  sing  the  sweet  songs  of  the  angels 

In  a  purer  and  holier  clime  ! 
Then  darkly,  O  evening  of  Autumn, 

Your  rain  and  your  shadows  may  fall : 
My  loved  and  my  lost  ones  you  bring  me — 

My  heart  holds  a  feast  with  them  all. 


o 


THE  JOYFUL    GALL. 

H,  wayward  soul, 

Dost  thou  not  see  the  beckoning  hand  t 
Dost  thou  not  hear  the  blest  command, 
The  Saviour's  call  ? 
He  bids  thee  now  rejoice. 
Must  His  beseeching  voice 
On  deaf  ears  fall  ? 

Oh,  fainting  heart, 
Torn  by  so  many  doubts  and  fears, 
Struggling  midst  many  sighs  and  tears 
In  anguish  sore, 
Oh,  raise  thy  tear-dimmed  eyes 
Upward,  above  the  skies, 
Forever  more. 


THE  TRUST  OT  THE  TRIED.  269 


Arise  and  go, 
The  blessed  Lord  hath  need  of  thee. 
Hear  even  now  His  tender  plea : 
Be  of  good  cheer. 
He'll  be  thy  dearest  friend, 
Keep  thee  unto  the  end ; 
Be  ever  near. 

Take  up  thy  cross, 
Then  shalt  thou  find  the  burden  light, 
The  path  made  straight,  the  way  all  bright, 
Thy  warfare  cease. 
So  shalt  thou  win  thy  crown, 
At  last  thy  life  lay  down 
In  perfect  peace. 

A  little  while 
To  toil  below  for  His  dear  sake, 
Then  sweetly  sleep  in  Him  and  wake 
To  thy  reward  ! 
Oh,  holy,  happy  rest  1 
To  be  forever  blest 

In  Christ  thy  Lord. 


THE   TRUST   OF   THE  TRIED. 

TO  God's  all-gracious  heart  and  mind 
My  heart  and  mind  I  yield ; 
In  seeming  loss  my  gain  I  find, 
In  death,  life  stands  revealed. 
23* 


270  THE  TRUST  OF  THE  TRIED 


1  am  His  own  whose  glorious  throne 

In  highest  heaven  is  set ; 
Beneath  His  stroke  or  sorrow's  yoke 

His  heart  upholds  me  yet. 

There  is  but  one  thing  cannot  fail, 

That  is  my  Father's  love  ; 
A  sea  of  troubles  may  assail 

My  soul, — 'tis  but  to  prove 
And  train  my  mind,  by  warnings  kind, 

To  love  the  good  through  pain  ; 
When  firm  I  stand,  full  soon  His  hand 

Can  raise  me  up  again. 

Yet  oft  we  think,  is  aught  withdrawn 

That  flesh  and  blood  desire, 
Our  joy  is  lost,  o'ercast  our  dawn, 

And  faith  and  courage  tire ; 
With  toil  and  care  our  hearts  we  wear, 

O'er  our  lost  hope  we  brood  ; 
Nor  think  that  all  that  doth  befall 

Is  meant  to  work  our  good. 

But  when  God  rules  it  must  be  so, 

It  must  bring  joy  again  ; 
What  now  we  deem  but  cross  and  woe 

Shall  turn  to  comfort  then. 
Have  patience  still,  His  gracious  will 

Through  thickest  cloud  shall  gleam ; 
Then  torturing  fears,  and  hopeless  tears, 

Shall  vanish  like  a  dream. 


THE  TRUST  OF  TEE  TRIED,  271 


The  field  can  never  bear  its  fruits, 

Save  winter  storm  and  freeze  ; 
Man's  goodness  withers  at  its  roots 

In  days  of  constant  ease  ; 
The  bitter  draught  of  aloes  quaffed, 

Health  tints  t'he  cheeks  once  more ; 
So  to  our  heart  can  sorrow's  smart 

New  energy  restore. 

Then,  O  my  God,  with  joy  I  cast 

My  load  of  care  on  Thee ; 
Take  me,  and  while  this  life  shall  last 

Do  as  Thou  wilt  with  me. 
Send  weal  or  woe,  as  Thou  shalt  know 

"Will  teach  me  their  true  worth, 
And  fit  me  best  to  stand  their  test, 

And  show  Thy  glory  forth. 

If  happy  sunshine  be  Thy  gift, 

With  joy  T  take  it,  Lord  ; 
If  o'er  dark  stormy  seas  I  drift, 

I  hear  Thy  guiding  word  ; 
If  lengthened  life,  with  blessings  rife 

Before  my  feet  be  spread, 
So  Thou  my  guide  wilt  still  abide, 

With  joy  that  path  I  tread. 

But  must  I  walk  the  vale  of  death 
Through  sad  and  sunless  ways  ? 

I  pass  along  in  quiet  faith, 
Thy  glance  my  fear  allays  ; 


272  GONE. 

Through  the  dark  land  my  Shepherd's  hand 

Leads  to  an  end  so  bright, 
That  I  shall  there  with  praise  declare, 

That  all  God's  ways  are  right  I 


GONE. 

LIST  to  the  midnight  lone  ! 
The  church  clock  speaketh  with  a  solemn  ton©— 
Doth  it  no  more  than  tell  the  time  ? 
Hark  !  from  that  belfry  gray, 
In  each  deep-booming  chime,  which,  slow  and  clear 
Beats  like  a  measured  bell  upon  my  ear, 
A  stern  voice  seems  to  say  : 

Gone — gone ; 
The  hour  i?  gone— the  day  is  gone ; 
Pray! 

The  aii  is  hushed  again, 

But  tht  darkness  woos  to  sleep  in  vain. 

O  Soul !  we  have  slept  too  long. 

Yes/  dreamed  the  morn  awav 
It  visions  false,  and  feverish  unrest, 
Wasting  the  work-time  God  hath  given  and  blest 

Conscience  grows  pale  to  see 

How,  like  a  haunting  face, 
My  youth  stares  at  me  out  of  gloom  profound : 
With  rayless  eyes,  black  as  the  darkness  round, 


GONE.  273 

And  waiting  lips  which  say  : 

Gone — gone ; 
The  morn  is  gone — the  morn  is  gone  ; 

Pray  i 

Wee  for  the  wasted  years 

Born  bright  with  smile >,  but  buried  with  sad  tears, 

Their  tombs  have  been  prepared 

By  Time,  that  gravesman  gray ; 
Soul,  we  may  weep  to  count  each  stone, 
Ajid  read  the  epitaph  engraved  thereon 

By  that  stern  carver's  hand. 

Yet  weep  not  long,  for  Hope, 
Steadfast  and  calm,  beside  each  headstone  standj 
Gazing  on  Time,  with  upward-pointing  hands. 

Take  we  this  happy  sign, 

Up  1  let  us  work  and  pray. 

Thou  in  whose  sight  the  hoary  ages  fly 
Swift  as  a  summer's  noon,  yet  whose  stern  eye 

Doth  note  each  moment  lost, 
So  let  me  live,  that  not  one  hour  misspent 
May  rise  in  judgment  on  me,  penitent, 

But,  till  the  sunset,  Lord, 

Sc  in  Thy  vineyard  toil, 
That  every  hour  a  priceless  gem  may  be, 
To  crown  the  blind  brows  of  Eternity. 


274  ROUE  OF  AGES. 

BOOK    OF  A  GES. 

*4 13  0CK  of  Ages' cleft  for  me  ""~" 

ft    Thoughtlessly  the  maiden  sung 
Fell  the  words  unconsciously, 

From  her  girlish,  gleeful  tongue ; 
Sang  as  little  children  sing  ; 

Sang  as  sing  the  birds  in  June  ; 
Fell  the  words  like  light  leaves  down 

On  the  current  of  the  tune — 
"  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 

"Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee," 

Felt  her  soul  no  need  to  hide  ; 
Sweet  the  song  as  song  could  be — 

And  she  had  no  thought  beside ; 
All  the  words  unheedingly 

Fell  from  lips  untouched  by  care, 
Dreaming  not  they  each  might  be 

On  some  other  lips  a  prayer — 
u  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 

" Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me" — 
Twas  a  woman  sung  them  now, 

rieadingly  and  prayerfully ; 

Every  word  her  heart  did  know. 

Rose  the  song  as  st  >rm-tossed  bird 
Beats  with  weary  wing  tae  air, 


MOLK  OF  AGES.  275 

Every  note  with  sorrow  stirred — 
Every  syllable  a  prayer — 
u  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 

u  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me  " — 
Lips  grown  aged  sung  the  hymn 
Trustingly  and  tenderly — 

Voice  grown  weak  and  eyes  grown  dim* 
**  Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee  " — 

Trembling  though  the  voice  and  low, 
Ran  the  sweet  strain  peacefully, 

Like  a  river  in  its  flow. 
Sung  as  only  they  can  sing, 

Who  behold  the  promised  rest — 
u  Rock  of  Ages  cleft  for  me, 

Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 

■'  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me  "— 

Sung  above  a  coffin  lid ; 
Underneath,  all  restfully, 

All  life's  joys  and  sorrows  hid. 
Never  more,  O  storm-tossed  soul, 

Never  more  from  wind  or  tide, 
Never  more  from  billow's  roll, 

Wilt  thou  need  thyself  to  hide. 
Could  the  sightless,  sunken  eyes, 

Closed  beneath  the  soft  gray  hair, 


276  M  UNTIL  HE  COME. 


Could  the  mute  and  stiffened  lips 
Move  again  in  pleading  prayer, 
Still,  aye,  still,  the  words  would  be, 
u  Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee." 


"  UNTIL  HE  COME." 

«  miLL  He  come  !"— oh,  let  the  words 
JL     Linger  on  the  trembling  chords  • 
Let  the  little  while  between, 
In  their  golden  light  be  seen  ; 
Let  us  think  how  heaven  and  home 
Lie  beyond  that  "  TiU  He  come." 

When  the  weary  ones  we  love 
Enter  on  their  rest  above, 
Seems  the  earth  so  poor  and  vast, 
Al  our  life-joy  overcast  ? 
Hush  !  be  every  murmur  dumb  ; 
It  ie  only  "  Till  He  come." 

Clouds  and  conflicts  round  us  press ; 
Would  we  have  one  sorrow  less  ? 
All  the  sharpness  of  the  cross, 
All  that  tells  the  world  is  loss, 
Death  and  darkness  and  the  tomb 
Only  whisper,  "  Till  He  come." 


P1U  YIKQ.  277 


See,  the  feast  of  love  is  spread  ! 
Drink  the  wine  and  bre:\k  the  bread ; 
Sweet  memorials  ! — till  the  Lord 
Call  us  round  His  heavenly  board ; 
Some  from  earth,  from  glory  some, 
Severed  only — till  He  come. 


PEA  TING. 

CLOSE,  close,  beloved  mine, 
Around  my  heart  entwine, 
In  Love's  strong  clasping,  as  I  hold  thee,  so. 
Above  the  sky  that  leans 
Over  these  death fu1  scenes, 
To  Him,  the  Eternal  Life  and  Love,  we  go. 

Back  from  His  awful  light, 

Back  from  consuming  sight, 
Of  glory  infinite,  His  cherubim 

Stand  reverently  veiled. 

Before  His  splendor  paled, 
All  majesty,  all  brightness  waneth  dim. 

Yet  sefy  anear  His  feet, 

Whito-robed,  and  chanting  sweet 
Their  song  3f  love,  His  ransomed  myriads  bow. 

For  them,  on  cruel  rood, 

Did  Jesus  give  His  blood : 
Nearest  of  all  in  Heaven,  they  worship  now. 
24 


278  PRA  YWG. 


Tt  ink !  ig  our  yearning  love 

Caught  from  His  heart  above  ? 
Then  haste  we,  blend  our  voices  with  that  choit. 

In  noblest  strains  they  pour ; 

We  vie  with  them,  and  soar 
(Jntil  our  souls  are  with  His  love  on  fire. 

Alas  !  not  rapturous  strain, 

Unsaddened  now  with  pain, 
Befits  us,  until  Life's  fleet  changes  cease. 

Our  sinning  we  confess, 

Our  needs  we  meekly  press, 
And  crave  the  seal-kiss  of  His  hallowed  peace. 

0  Merciful !  we  pray, 

Absolve  our  guilt  away ; 
Give  victory  against  temptation  still ; 

With  cheerful  grace  endue 

These  hearts  that,  weeping,  sue 
Too  oft  for  respite  from  Thy  blessed  will. 

In  us  Thy  will  be  done. 

Touch  Thou  the  spirit  tone 
That  bring3  our  life  with  Thine  in  sweet  accord 

In  sacred  oneness  bound, 

Circled  by  love  j^rofouud, 
Thy  Love — enfold  us  to  Thy  bosom,  Lord. 


INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS. 


PAG2 

A  leaver  for  Yon 127 

A  ad  they  shall  see  His  Face 50 

Abounding  in  Hope 92 

An  Open  Door 98 

Affliction 119 

"  As  One  whom  his  Mother  Comforteth  " 213 

At  Evening 242 

Alone  with  God 244 

A  Saviour's  Love 225 

Bread  upon  the  Waters 18^ 

Because  He  first  Loved  us  21 .' 

Be  still,  and  Know  that  I  am  God 260 

Christ  Risen 53 

Cast  Down,  but  net  Destroyed 91 

Child  on  the  Judgment-Seat,  The 109 

Christ's  Call  to  the  Soul 141 

Contentment 180 

Come  unto  Me  ! 37 

Celestial  Country,  The 191 

Day  of  Rest,  The....        153 

Death  of  a  Believer,  The  ...    20 

u  Draw  nigh  to  God,  and  He  will  draw  to  You." 263 

Even  as  Thou  Wilt ! 76 

Everlasting  Memorial,  The ..  81 

Eirth  and  Heaven.  22 

Evening 21 7 

Endurance 252 

Fruitless  Toil 1& 

Glory  Dwe.ietn  in  Immanuel's  Land 06 

Giver  and  the  Gifts,  The :67 


280  INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS. 

GoTellJesus! 198 

Gone 272 

Guests  of  the  Heart 266 

He  Goeth  before  Them 63 

His  Name 65 

He  Giveth  Songs  in  the  Night 93 

House  of  God,  The 107 

He  Leads  us  On 117 

Holy  Ghost !  Dispel  our  Sadness 118 

HearMyCry 129 

Have  Faith  in  God 181 

Hold  On,  Hold  In,  Hold  Out! 187 

HeKnowethAll 13 

Homewards 14 

Hymn 35 

His  Truth  shall  be  thy  Shield  and  Buckler , 143 

His  Ways 219 

In  Suffering 50 

Is  this  All? 123 

Is  There  no  Balm  in  Gilead  ? 137 

I  am  Christ's  and  Christ  is  Mine 149 

In  all  Time  of  Tribulation 160 

I  will  Arise  and  Go  to  my  Father 169 

I  Shall  be  Satisfied 176 

IntheCloset 49 

Indwelling 233 

I  Would  Have  Gone 254 

In  the  Harvest  Field 221 

Jacob's  Ladder 71 

Jesus,  I  am  Never  Weary 177 

Jerusalem  Above  is  Free 239 

Jesus,  Saviour,  Pilot  Me 261 

Kneeling  at  the  Threshold 31 

Knocki  ng.  ever  Knocking 60 

Ught  of  the  World,  The 114 

Love  thatPasseth  Knowledge,  The 156 


INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS.  281 

Looking  unto  Jes as , 42 

Loving  Cnp,  The ...  16 

Lord  are  there  Few  thar  be  Saved  ? 26 

Lord,  Thou  art  Mine  !    28 

Leave  God  to  Order  all  Thy  Ways    33 

Light  of  the  World , 237 

Living  Waters 241 

Let  Me  Find  Thee 251 

Mystery  of  Christ,  The 165 

Marab 78 

My  Cross 243 

My  Prayer 236 

Mary 21G 

My  Appointed  Time 249 

Nearest  and  Dearest 95 

Now  I  lay  Me  Down  to  Sleep.   112 

Nothing  but  Leaves 172 

Night  Song 10 

NotLost 238 

Not  as  the  World  Giveth 223 

Not  Knowing 248 

Other  World.  The 51 

Open  Thou  our  Eyes 125 

Other  Side,  The 147 

Offering,  The 185 

Only  our  Love 47 

Paul  Gerhardt's  Hymn 173 

Psalm  for  New  Years  Eve,  A 189 

Per  Pacem,  Ad  Lucem 75 

Praying 277 

Rest  Remaineth 173 

Rest  for  the  Weary 184 

Rabboni 226 

ReadyforAlll 253 

Ages i74 

21* 


282  INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS. 


Sick  and  in  Prison $11 

Surely,  I  Come  Quicky 62 

Sorrowing,  yet  Always  Rejoicing 100 

Submission 121 

Shadows  of  the  Past 126 

Satisfied 151 

Shulamite  at  the  Lord's  Feet,  The 155 

Sheep-Track.  The 158 

Shadow  of  the  Rock,  The 7 

Spiritual  Temple,  The 44 

Sinner's  Friend,  The 17 

Strength  for  the  Day 221 

Submission. 355 

"  Take  Heart  of  Grace  " 208 

The  "  E'en  brings  a'  Hame  " 66 

Two  Sunsets,  The 77 

Two  Villages,  The 83 

TrustandRest 106 

Trust 120 

Two  Worlds,  The 138 

Two  Angels,  The 135 

Their  Names 142 

Two 142 

The  Way  is  Long  and  Dreary 19 

ToThee 232 

The  Battle  Fought  and  Won 246 

'Twill  not  be  Long 257 

The  Noble  Army  of  Martyrs  Praise  Thee 259 

ToMyself 264 

"  The  Lord  Knoweth." :  265 

The  Joyful  Call 268 

The  Trust  of  the  Tried 269 

Upward  where  the  Stars  are  Burning 15 

undertake  for  Me 2f 

Undiscovered  Country,  The 2" 

Unseen  Battle-Field,  The & 

"Until  He  Come." 27'5 


INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS.  28S 


Visitation  of  the  Sick 163 

Why  Dost  Thon  Wait 79 

Wayside  Watcher,  The & 

Weep  Not  for  Her 97 

Waiting  for  Spring 103 

Waking 173 

We  shall  see  Him  as  He  Is.. 179 

Without  Money  and  Without  Price 40 

We  Stood  Beside  the  River 29 

We  Glory  in  Tribulation 34 

Waiting  for  Christ 106 

Wait  on  the  Lord. 83s 


INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINES. 


1AGE 

A:?  these  ;hat  watch  for  day. 23 

Art  thon  weary  ?     Art  thou  languid  ? 37 

And  whither  came  these  goodly  stores 44 

Ah,  many  a  time  we  look  on  starlit  nights...  w.  Alexander.  71 

All  the  day  you  sit  here  idle 84 

As  the  harp-strings  only  render 119 

And  he  drew  near  and  talked  with  them 125 

A  friend  stands  at  the  door.. 189 

Alone  with  Thee,  my  God !  alone  with  Thee ! 244 

Bury  thy  sorrow 188 

Be  thou  content;  be  still  before 180 

Behold  me  here,  in  grief  draw  near joachim  neander.  251 

Be  still,  my  child  1 s.  l.  goodwin.  2G0 

Cometh  sunshine  after  rain 178 

Come,  drink  yc,  drink  ye,  all  of  it anna  shipton.  16 

Could  we  but  know 24 

Come  to  Jesus  f  are  you  lonely anna  shipton.  40 

Clearer  than  vision  of  inspired  dreamer  ! 223 

Close,  close,  beloved  mine cygnus.  277 

Come,  Lord,  and  fight  the  battle. hettt  bowman.  246 

Dropping  down  the  troubled  river bonar.  14 

Father,  thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done 80 

Fret  not,  poor  soul,  while  doubt  and  fear 10(5 

Fair  soul  created  in  the  primal  hour 141 

God  sends  us  bitter,  that  the  sweet.. chas.  lawrence  ford  73 

Gently  the  dew  falls  on  the  grass rev.  i.  n.  tarbox,  d.d.  217 

Glory  to  Ilim  who  bids  the  field 221 

Give  me  a  song,  and  I  will  sing  it  I 236 

Bod's  right-hand  angel  bright  and  calm carl  spencer.  25B 


INDEX  TO  FIRST  LINES.  285 


Be  leads  us  on 117 

Hold  on,  my  heart,  in  tny  believing 187 

Heart,  be  still 10 

Have  faith  in  God,  for  He  who  reigns  on  high 181 

Have  mercy  on  me,  Lord ! c.  76 

Hope,  Christian  soul  1  in  every  stage 82 

Holy  Ghost,  dispel  our  sadness H8 

How  much  the  heai '  may  bear,  and  yet  net  break  1 252 

I'm  kneeling  at  the  threshold gtjthrie.  31 

I  ask  if  thou  canst  love  me  still,  O  God  !  169 

It  lies  around  us  like  a  cloud h.  beecher  stowe.  51 

I  do  not  ask.  O  Lord !  that  life  may  be £,  &.  proctor.  75 

It  was  the  Sabbath's  blessed  hour 9t 

I  have  done  at  length  with  dreaming 170 

In  the  quiet  nursery  chambers. 112 

I  marvel  night  and  day  and  cannot  cease 165 

Is  there  no  balm  in  Gilead  ? 137 

I  have  a  Saviour !  He's  pleading  in  glory ^  127 

In  the  moonlight  when  no  murmur 114 

I  love  Thee.  0  my  God !  but  not francis  zavier.  210 

I  asked  for  grace  to  lift  me  high j.  s.  d.  monsell,  d.d.  219 

I  bring  my  sins  to  Thee 233 

In  unto  me,  oh,  Christ,  Divine  One,  come  1  . . . . a.  w.  d.  239 

It  is  not  heavy  agonizing  woe 24» 

I  would  not  stay  the  years  that  wing,      hezekiah  butter- 
worth.  23f 
I  know  not  what  will  befall  me !    God  hangs  a  mist  o'er 

my  eyes 248 

I  thought  me  near  the  pearly  gate. .  .rev.  j.  e.  rankin,  d.d.  249 

I  would  have  gone,  God  bade  me  stay 254 

•Jesus,  I  am  never  weary 177 

Jesus,  Saviour,  pilot  me rev.  edward  hopper,  d.d.  261 

Knocking,  knocking,  ever  knocking  . .  .h.  beecher  stowe.  69 

Lord,  thou  art  mine bonab.  28 

Leave  God  to  order  all  thy  ways george  neumark.  83 

Long  did  I  toil,  and  knew  no  earthly  rest. .  .henry  p.  lytb.  149 


g86  INDEX   TO  FIRST  LINUS. 


Lord,  I  have  toiled  all  night 131 

Lord,  Thou  hast  sought  this  wayward  heart,  .w.  r.  weale.  116 

Lord,  while  the  shadows  of  the  past  surveying 126 

Light  of  the  World,  to  Thee  I  come  1 237 

"  Love  I  Thee,  Lord  ?    How  much  love  I  ? 225 

List  to  the  midnight  lone  1 272 

Let  notbina  make  thee  sad  or  fretful paul  flexing.  264 

Al  uoh  have  1  borne,  but  not  as  I  should  bear 91 

Not  what  I  am,  O  Lord,  but  what  Thou  art  1 156 

Not  long,  not  long.    The  spirit-wasting  fever 184 

No  bird-song  floated  down  the  hill john  g.  whittier.  77 

No  sorrow  is  unmingled  here 100 

No  more,  my  own  Lord  Jesus  1 185 

Not  as  He  was,  a  homeless  stranger 179 

Not  here,  not  here !  not  where  the  sparkling  waters        176 

Nothing  but  leaves ;  the  spirit  grieves 172 

Not  they  alone  who  from  the  bitter  strife 259 

O  Jesus  1  friend  unfailing 151 

Oh,  day  most  calm,  most  bright 153 

Once  slow  and  sad  the  evening  fell 107 

Oh,  never  say  that  the  door  is  shut 98 

O  wonderful  1  round  whose  birth-hour..REV.  w.  Alexander  65 

O  Thou  !  the  contrite  sinner's  friend,  .charlotte  elliott.  17 

O  Holy  Saviour  1    Friend  unseen charlotte  elliott.  35 

Oh,  strong  to  save  and  bless bonar.  129 

One  touch  from  Thee— the  Healer  of  diseases . .  235 

Over  the  river  on  the  hill _ rose  terry.  83 

O'er  the  distant  mountains  breaking 62 

Oh,  thou  1  who  tossing  on  life's  troubled  ocean h.  n.  c.  208 

Of  all  the  nights  of  most  mysterious  dread.. m.  j.  preston.  226 

Oh,  wayward  soul . . 2G8 

Poor  trembling  lamb,  ah  I  who  outside  the  fold 79 

Poor  heart,  why  throb  thus  wildly  in  my  breast 155 

Peace  to  'his  House  1  O  Thou,  whose  way   163 

Eest  remaineth ;  oh,  how  sweet  I 175 


1XDEX  TO  F1M1ST  LINES.  23? 

M  Ready,  O  Master  !"  with  eager  lip mabel.  253 

"  Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me  " 274 

Bay  n^t  'twas  all  in  vain  ! 182 

Saviour  »  by  thy  sweet  compassion.. 160 

Sweet  thought,  my  God  I  that  on  the  palms 142 

Sometimes  1  catch  sweet  glimpses  of  His  face   123 

Since  Thj  Father's  arm  sustains  thee 121 

So  wil  I  comfort  you,"  as  when  a  sobbing  child l.  213 

Strength  for  the  day  I    At  early  dawn  I  stand.       rachel  g. 

alsop.  221 

Soft  falls  through  the  gathering  twilight 266 

The  child  leans  on  its  parent's  breast isaac  willlams.  120 

The  path  I  trod  so  pleasant  was,  and  fair 167 

The  winds  blow  fierce  across  the  barren  wild. J.  h.  t.  63 

The  Shadow  of  the  Kock...  faber.  7 

The  twiligh*  falls,  the  night  is  near 13 

The  way  is  long  and  dreary Adelaide  a.  proctor.  19 

The  apostle  slept ;  a  light  shone  in  the  prison james  j. 

burns.  20 

The  roseate  hues  of  early  dawn 22 

The  sands  of  time  are  sinking 55 

The  air  is  stirred  with  holy  life d.  b.  d.  49 

The  foe  behind,  the  deep  before john  mason  neale.  53 

Two  angels,  one  of  Life  and  one  of  Death 135 

Two  worlds  there  are,  to  one  our  eyes  we  strain 133 

Two  buds  plucked  from  the  tree 142 

Two  ways  !  only  two  1    One  leadeth 1  jg 

To  do  Thy  holy  will ! oeorge  coorER.  47 

Thou,  Lord,  my  path  shalt  choose 42 

There  is  an  unseen  battle-field. 38 

The  world  is  very  evil 191 

The  box  is  not  of  stainless  alabaster 216 

The  look  of  sympathy,  the  gentle  word. 238 

There  are  some  hearts  like  wells,  green-mossed  and  deep. 

CARL  SPENCER.  241 

To  God's  all-gracious  heart  and  mind pall  gerhardt.  269 

'Twill  not  be  long— this  wearying  commotion    257 


288  INDEX   TO   FIRST  LINES. 

•'Till  He  oomer'— oh,  let  the  words,     rev.  e.  h.  bickhb- 

steth.  871 

The  Lord  knoweth  where  each  flower  groweth g.  z.  g.  265 

Upward  where  the  stars  are  burning bon  ar  12 

Upon  the  hills  the  wind  is  sharp  and  cold G8 

Up,  and  away,  like  the  dew  of  the  morning.. bonar.  SI 

Under  Thy  loving  care h.  n.  e.  242 

We  wait  for  Thee,  a'l  glorious  One  1 105 

Whether  there  many  De  or  few 26 

We  praise  Thee  oft  for  hours  of  bliss john  page  hopps.  93 

Who  would  not  go  ? J.  h.  t.  25 

Weep  not  for  her,  for  she  hath  crossed  the  river 97 

We  stood  beside  the  river 29 

When  my  sins  in  aspect  dread 143 

Within  this  leaf,  to  every  eye 34 

What  must  it  be  to  dwell  above swain.  50 

Waiting  for  Spring.    The  mother  watching  lonely 108 

We  dwell  this  side  of  Jordan's  stream 147 

Where  hast  been  toiling  all  day,  sweet  heart  ? 109 

Wildly  falls  the  n;ght  around  me aj  ici  cart  811 

Weary  and  faint hetti  Bowa*.s  9€l 


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